I've come across some advertising information for the "Rolex Fastnet Race", a yachting event that takes place in the UK. Its subtitle reads "Professionals and Corinthians compete in 608-mile battle of wits and stamina." The word "Corinthians" in this context stumped me completely, so I looked it up. My OED lists the usual Corinth-related entries, and then these:

2. A wealthy man; a profligate idler; a licentious man; a brazen-faced man.

3. A man about town.

4. A wealthy amateur of sport.

This last is probably the usage that is given to "Corinthians" in the advertising info I have, but I'm curious as to how the ancient Corinthians have come to be associated with sport. Any ideas, AWADers?

Also, I find it interesting that there should be a word to denote "wealthy amateurs" as opposed to plain old ones... never mind that an amateur yacht racer is not likely to be very poor...