Steven,
If you think something is better then it likely is for you. The pointy end you refer to is not very deep though. I appologize in general for the offense but the A class tends to be Lemmings more than most. Look at the rush a year ago to all jump to the ASG3 and look how well that panned out for most. Not that the beam attachment on the DNA would not help the stiffness, but it's no game changer and the reviews I have heard have been somewhat mixed. The top guys are jumping on it and hence it will show well.
I have sailed the Tiger and and some of the newer designs like the infusion and Cap. Yes there is big difference in how they feel and sail. But the better sailor is still going to win. In my own shop, there is a huge difference in the Falcon over the Blade on the water. It feels smoother and easier to push, but does that win races or has it obsoleted anything. Its about the sailor.
Nobody wants to compete and have any inkling that their equipment may be holding them back. New designs in a formula box rule class will always be the standard. It just follows with so many of the other periferal factors. Boats do not lose races, people kill people or something like that.
Yes, the A class guys can be a bit like Lemmings, however do you really think there is no significant difference between the MkIV Boyer and the Flyer?
As for the DNA, some of the best are convinced. Ashby so much that he got himself one despite his production of ASGs. What does that say. He does not want to be beaten by Brewin on a DNA. From what I have heard over here, the DNA guys are now trapping downwind. The platform has allowed them to do this in reasonable breeze where as it was too dangerous before hand.
There will always be those who jump towards the trend manufacture, however every now and then a manufacture will raise the bar a notch and others will have to follow suit or slide out the back door.
Many here keep rushing to “the sailor makes the biggest difference” which is true, but if you were investing, why would you put yourself at a disadvantage. Why should you have to sail better than the next guy to equal his performance.
New designs have and will come out, they will be quicker and over time. It may happen with gradual change or you may see a leap from one manufacturer. So really, how many people here disagree?
