Define “Elite”

Collins Gem English Dictionary quotes:

• elite n most powerful, rich, or gifted members of a group.

So who should distribute the title of being “elite”?

A coach?

A sponsor?

A selection committee?

Or the sailor themselves…?

What makes a sailor advance to the level of “elite”?

A world title?

Several world titles?

An Olympic Gold Medal?

It’s time we had a better understanding of the term “elite” so we realise that not every Tom, Dick, Harry, Mary, Sarah or Jane can be defined as “elite” in the sailing world.

I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of sailing levels for one to be defined to accordingly:

1. Lover of sailing for the pure joy
2. Race with the fleet and have a laugh
3. Train occassionally and perhaps visit the gym
4. Train a fair bit and read tactics articles in magazines
5. Train pretty hard, read, study, analyse, read some more then analyse again with a little more study and some extra training
6. PURE NATURAL TALENT

I could name three sailors that I know with the characteristcs of definition 6, and about 100,000 + who fall into definition 5 across their chosen class.

Therefore it’s only those in definition 6 that could possibly claim the title of being “elite” – these are the sailors who can enter any regatta, at any time, in any class and still come out guns blazing or ranked in the top 5 as a worst case scenario.

In conclusion…

The OG Dictionary of Rational Thinking and Common Sense* quotes:

*Not available in a store near you.