Written by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
I tend to care more about annual achievement awards and Hall of Fame recognition than is healthy. Subjective judgment has its flaws, but emphasizing the individual in sports creates history, and I feel some responsibility for that process.
Having served on selection committees, I have seen firsthand how bias and familiarity can influence decisions. People tend to be partial to what they know, and as sports become more diverse, it’s rare to have knowledge of every genre. There are too many unqualified “expert” voters.
World Sailing has once again spoiled a prestigious award. They change processes and with each change consistency and precedent are lost. They will form an 11-person committee with no expertise in all the decisions that have to be made, and then let the public make the final selection for the award.
Attracting the general public is smart marketing, but it also invites popularity into the equation. And unlike selection committees, which are (or should be) held to the highest standards, the public is not bound by bias or familiarity. The world is a big place, and expecting a fair vote reflects the world governing body’s naivety towards the sport of sailing. Hmm!
Among the candidates for several awards will undoubtedly include players from the America’s Cup teams. But which team will it be? The Brits and Italians are nearing the end of the Challenger series, with INEOS Britannia’s upward trajectory leaving them one win away from game 37. It’s been 60 years since the Saudis have faced a defender, but they look ready.
We are also preparing for the Women’s America’s Cup, and we hope that the rowing issues in the youth competition will be resolved. What happened to the French youth team was shameful, but the truth is that these two events are a bridge that provides good PR and has all the ingredients for a fair fight. Not really. I have no choice…
Major League Baseball is in its playoff season, and like our San Diego Padres who made it through the first round, we’ll be looking at the team that best endured a long 162-game season. Talent alone can only go so far, as developing a team culture is what sets great teams apart. This variable also applies to sailing, and Phil Muller, USA Sailing Youth Performance Manager, tries to explain the “invisible hand.” That’s good!
Speaking of US sailing, the Championship of Champions is one of my favorite events, and the 2024 event will require the champions to be on the water again, competing in radio-controlled boats like they did a year ago. Instead, it would be great to see the championship required to be back on the water. If you are able to host this great event, please contact US Sailing before someone else gets wise and suggests e-sailing in 2025. please.