Yes, team size will definitely be a factor in determining what class is right for you. What I’m pointing out with those numbers is the simple fact that making your class of boat afordable is more important than covering it in carbon fiber when it comes to class growth.

Yes the particular 18HT I was racing on was more expensive than the rest but isn’t this the way the class will go if it gets more popular and more competitive? The new A cat is $19,200. and evidently that is a special promotional offer. Now if you have the money that’s great but a price tag like that will limit class growth. Some people love carbon fiber and to them it’s worth having smaller fleets. Will the A cat go the extra step and allow hydrofoils? What will happen if all those expensive new boats become obsolete? I don’t think the class will go that far because they know that there needs to be a balance between affordability and technology. Will the Formula 18 add a carbon mast? Where you draw the line depend on what niche your class is going to fill.

Lance Armstrong wrote a book titled “It’s Not About the Bike”, never read the book but I guess my point is it’s not about the boat for me it’s about the sailors.