I would tend to agree for those involved in the 'professional layer' of the 'sport'. I don't believe the statement had anything to do with sailing for joy, self satisfaction & learning about how to use our planets weather mechanics.

When cruising I was never involved in the sport of sailing. I purchased a vessel with sails because it made sense for going long distances and also I just like to sail for the natural 'free ride' concept & traveling by Earth wind power. I never looked at cruising as a sport but as a lifestyle.

Hell, even when I club raced it had nothing to do with the 'professional layer' of sailing. Perhaps that's why we never won a race