It seems that historicaly the most sucessfull classes world wide have been very restrictive in their rules. By definition 1 design is restrictive, but clases like the Tornado and F18 are as well. The A class is 1 of the few gaining world wide support that has not had a very restrictive rule set. They are now fighting because of that, over the use of curved dagger boards.

Within the sailing community there is a group who really likes to tinker with their boats as much or more than actually sailing them. The C class exists for the ultimate in tinkering, but the boats are of a size and complexity that very few can afford to play. There are therefore those people pushing to try their ideas within existing classes with more loosely written rule sets.

What interest is out there to revive the old 18 sq concept in some form. It is a length that will accomdate most people's weight yet is samll enough the expense can be a little more in control.

No min boat weight, but a displacement (or righting moment)to sail area rule. Soft or hard rigs, foils, spins, what ever you can dream of. Maybe tie it into an adventure race like the Worrell 1000 days. 18 feet long and the boat has to survive the conditions.