A few things :

You can get a new Hobie 16 for $7000 in the USA ?

Overhere we pay around 12.000 Euro's for a new one. Makes the difference to other Formula boats alot less.

I do agree fully on the need to have a significant and attractive class structure.

That but also to the WOW factor as mark described. I sailed a clunky 16 footer (Prindle 16 from 1975) for years and loved it to bits. Loved the simplicity. Now I sail the other thing, a highly tuned technology boat and again I'm thrilled. The new boat just moves and handles so beautifully. Even graciously.

Would I race in OD H16 races if I was asked to crew ? Yes, for sure.

Would I want to miss my technology boat. No, it is the next step for me and that is the reason why both stay around. The simple boats introduce people to catsailing without much hassle and after a while the technology boats allow sailors to grow further.

I do fail to see how these two approach conflict with eachother and how one class or line of thinking is desroying cat sailing as we know it. I think this is all misplaced fear. No beginner is going to lay down 15.000 Euro;s for a new formula boat, hell they WON:T even lay down 12.000 Euro's for a new Hobie 16 (or stealth F16). I really don't think the two classes are in much conflict. That is at a reduced cat scene because we had to many OD classes. However I truly believe one or two OD classes will survive next to 3 Formula classes and the Tornado. Will make everybody happy.

Wouter