The Mystere 4.3 took off in Ohio for several reasons. I think there is a lot to be learned from it.
1. Price. The first round of new boats were sold for about $3200. That included a jib, main, and snuffer launched spinnaker.
2. Niche. Simple & quick to set up. Simple, appropriate for the beginning sailor (like the Hobie 16 & 14). Yet with 3 sails sporty enough for the advanced racer to have a blast sailing and racing, especially single handed!
3.) Word of mouth. One sailor called several friends, they called more friends, before we were done we had filled a semi trailer with 30 new boats. That was something we could do at $3000 that we couldn't do at $7000.
INSTANT REGIONAL CLASS!
It's currently the boat I sail the most and the class I am having the most FUN in.