SAILING OUT?It has been announced today that the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will be sailing's last appearance at this world renowned event.
After officially eliminating the Catamaran class, and then announcing that Women's Match Racing would become the keel boat class for girls, it has since been decided by the powers to be that sailing simply doesn't generate enough international or viewers interest, and as such has been officially eliminated from the Games.
This comes as a serious blow for the sport which has struggled for years to gain acceptance on the international stage.
Those who use the Games as their professional springboard into other major yachting events will have to venture back to university to gain qualifications to ensure their financial future. Those who were lucky enough to gain a qualification prior to becoming professional in their bid to make the world's most recognised sporting stage will now need to join the ranks of the common people and resume a 9 to 5 job.
The only major events that sailors can now aim for that gains international attention is the Fastnet, Volvo Ocean Race or single handed ventures across the globe.
"It's been said that this could be the beginning of the end, and slowing the world will see a dramatic decline in one-design yachts and off-the-beach dinghies," said one disgruntled sailor.
This final decision by officials could however shine a new light for development class campaigners.
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