Hi Rhodysail,
I agree with your basic point... Its' not about the bike.

I would argue that the social (people aspects) are probably the most important factor in a class or clubs's long term success.

Nevertheless, Lance is not tooling around on my 1975 Schwinn either. My point is that there is a fundamental difference between the simple 16 footers... and the technology embodied in any of the other formula boats listed below. People are attracted to one or the other. I don't think you can compare the mindsets of the two very different groups of sailors here. (and you can't really judge their choices either) For the Formula sailors.... it's not about the bike..... SO LONG as it has the bells and whistles that make sailing the boat fun, exciting, and easy... (See Eric Anderson's comments) I think the sailors recognize that it will cost a bit more to play in this game. However, they get large dose of enjoyment by sailing a finally tuned machine compared to a boat that is clunky (See Bob Hodges comment about his P19). After you factor this wow factor in... then you have the class issues (popularity, dedication to going racing, convenience, social structure, etc etc) that one design fleets and ANY sailing club deal with.

Personally, I think that we as the catsailing community should be very clear how the fleets below fit together and make sure a prospective racer understands their choices and the costs involved.

You mentioned the costs to go play as an important factor. I ballparked the prices.
H 16 7K
F16 12.5K
F18 15K
F20 17 K
A Cat 19K

My point would be... Those are the costs!.... What you value in a sailboat will determine what you are willing to pay for. I would not tell anyone to compromise solely on the basis of money... They won't be happy and we could loose them in the end.

PS... I believe you highlighted a fleet building notion that came up in the one design forum. The idea was that one of the fleet rock stars would debrief the racing of that day for an hour over beers at the end of the day.

I instantly remembered Wally Myers and Jim Glanden (I think) running just such a talk after a Gunpowder regatta. They talked about the days racing and preperation for a 16 nationals. The following year John Holmerg did the same kind of thing. The tent was packed both times and even the experienced racers took home some insights.

We forget the great ideas that work so easily. Thanks for the reminder.

Mark