Actually a Grand Prix format for soaring at the Olympics would be much more fun and understandable than sailing is to the average Joe. I have competed in both sports, and ran/competed in a Grand Prix recently.

Of course sailing (unlike US rules soaring, for example) does have the concept of a "leader" at every mark and the finish, but the sailing, wind shifts and tactics are very hard to follow. Much harder than sailplane Grand Prix would be. Plus the concept of flying at 180 mph is more exciting than a boat moving at 8 mph...

The beloved turn area - timed task and the concept of starting anytime one wishes would immediately turn off the vast majority of spectators....oh, wait a minute....maybe we should try the one or no turn HAT. Now that would just be some riveting viewing!

It's no wonder the sport of soaring is declining. If you think about it, it's been in decline since about the same time we moved away from racing tasks. Hmmm. Today it's hard to explain soaring rules (especially the unique and highly complex US rules) to people who are pilots, even soaring pilots!

Oh, and finally, the 4 hours required to complete the scores each day (well, night really, often late night)! I'm surprised the big TV networks aren't beating down the doors for the rights to all that sports excitement!

A bunch of gliders randomly flying around 30 mile radius turn areas (or a HAT task) Is not a race at all. When the gliders finish spectators would have no idea what happened! Add in handicaps, etc....BOOM! Oh the ratings!

Soaring in the Olympics? Not with the current Jon racing mindset and rules.. No chance. Maybe sailplane Grand Prix would work. That would be really fun actually!

Anyway, thanks for the chuckle. This idea is really, really funny! Especially when you assume it's US rules soaring that your proposing as an Olympic sport!

Sean