GLADWELL'S LINE: LOSING THE OLYMPIC DRESSING ROOM

The Committee produced a Recommendation for the 2024 Olympic regatta which requires new equipment in five classes and five new events.

Gone are the RS:X, Finn and 470 class. If you own one of the latter - you've got some hard decisions coming up.

To chase the Olympic dream in 2024, you'll need to ditch your boat, arrange for an amicable divorce with your crew - and then you can start looking at the options for Marseille - except if you are male and weigh over 85kg.

There are just three crewed boats, down from five, on the proposed slate for 2024 Olympics. Kiteboards and new singlehanders have taken their spots.

Next week, you should start looking at making a sailing career change. Develop a Plan B and C.

If you are involved in a 2020 campaign in one of the Olympic classes dropped events, you'll need to get a guarantee of selection from your MNA for 2020. There is no point in going through the pain of a 2020 selection campaign only to have your MNA decide a few months before the Olympic regatta that you aren't medal capable.

Better to cash-up early and then be prepared to move on one of the new classes if they are suitable. Olympic campaigns do take six years - 2024 starts now.

Maybe go to one of the new and established circuits which have successful competition on an ongoing basis throughout the season, are well run, and you don't get saddled with some very expensive kit if for some reason there is a change of class. Olympic sailing is great - if someone else is paying the bills.

Of course, there's always an America's Cup with the scuttlebutt being that there are a further four teams looking seriously at a Challenge. That's about 400 vacancies to be filled in a gig which extends into 2021.

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by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz