Administering sport is not for the faint-hearted. It demands decisiveness and action - on behalf of of a vast number of people. Plus, in sailing administration, there are few professionals and paid hands, with our national, regional and club administrators primarily being volunteers. There's nothing wrong with being a volunteer, and our sport needs many more.

But what does get me is that too many decision makers in our sport are reluctant to make changes and are happy to stay with the status quo so as not to rock the boat. It is this attitude which is largely responsible for our sport suffering in so many different areas. I firmly believe that we need to GO BOLD - or GO HOME.

Not wanting to pontificate on this issue, or trash our administrators, I raise it because the Royal Cape Yacht Club made a bold decision last year to move its annual Table Bay Regatta from December to May. Naturally there were many naysayers who predicted doom, gloom and everything negative. But, that decision has paid off handsomely. This year's event, reported on in this issue, was an unequivocal success. One of SAILING's contributors, Alan Keen, admits in his contribution this month to initially being one of those negative about the change, but one who changed his tune after seeing the positive effects of the change. At least he is honourable enough to admit this in print.

Our sport NEEDS bold decisions - and now. It's no longer good enough to regurgitate the same old things year in and year out.

To those who were bold enough at the RCYC to make a tough call. Well done. You know who you are, so take a bow! Regrettably, this month we received not one single nomination for Sailor of the Month. That's a great shame as there are many competitors out there, trying their hardest and achieving, who would relish the title on their CV. Please remember that anyone can make a nomination - so please give this some serious thought and let me have your nominations.

In hisÔFisher @ Large column this month, Bob Fisher talks about the Olympics, amongst other interesting topics. To quote I thought the Olympics was all about taking part, or wasn't that what Baron Pierre de Coubertin had in mind when he founded the new Olympic movement in 1896? I concur totally with Fisher, and also find it difficult to stomach the fact that some countries, ours included, make the standards of qualification so high, that we kill that Olympic Dream so many sportsmen have. For instance, this year South Africa will have just one team competing in the Sailing Olympics in the Yngling Class - Dominique Provoyeur; Penny Alison; Kim Rew and coach/manager Dayne Sharp.

I firmly believe that all sailors should have a shot at being selected to represent their country at the Olympics, and that if sail-offs or world rankings are required to make a final selection, then these should be clearly spelt out and be achievable. To make these requirements too onerous is a mistake, as our yachties have a difficult and expensive time moving their boats around the world to all the qualifying regattas, and championships in which they can earn world ranking points. Being in the top eight or ten in the world is very difficult, and can take a number of years to achieve and maintain, which means that any Olympic campaign is more than just a four-year commitment.

With little significant funding coming from government, SASCOC or the national administrative body, it's tough and very, very expensive being a yachtie with an Olympic dream.

It's the taking part which counts - so let's aim for a full sailing squad for Weymouth in 2012. Those of us with insufficient talent to have an Olympic Dream, want to follow our local sailors - and, we also want our sailing heroes.

Finally, to our very special Olympic ladies - I am sure that all readers join me in wishing you well in Qingdao, and that you achieve the results for which you have worked so hard and tirelessly. Good Luck.