Local pros are acceptable IMHO. I was not at Challenge Cup but I assume the pro that sailed for pontchartrain was Dave bolyard who is a member of the club he was sailing for and NOYC is Max Albert who has been sailing just about every event the last 2 years plus with the skipper of the boat he was on. SYC hired out 2 pros from out of town that do not normally sail with the club or the skippers except for challenge cup. Yes pros should be allowed but only if they are a consistent crew for the boat or skipper.