Many were good sailors but haven't set foot on a sailboat to race in years. Being on protest committee with some and listening in on hearings, the speed things happen vs. 10 or 20 years ago escapes them. Umpiring is also this way. Having attended, sailed in, and umpired in several Grade 1,2, and 3 events it is amazing the different interpretations of the rules and equally, the selective penalizing of competitors based on their skill level. Regarding attendance at the national and international level.
Officials attending are often the same ones year after year.
They attend because they are retired and can afford most of their own bills. Some will argue that they are the ones that accept the invitations, I would argue they are the ones that can afford it. Additionally, they've been doing it for so many years that invitations are virtually guaranteed by reciprocity, leaving little room for newcomers. The lay on Wednesday was a good call as the winds at the holiday resort in Cancun, Mexico touched 30 knots. A four-hour postponement did not see any decrease in wind strength so the 146 masters sailors adjourned to the pool bar for margaritas whilst others got rid of excess energy playing United Nations water volleyball.