Absolutely, the brand name of the boat is of great concern. If one is contemplating purchase of a new boat, it will be of considerable interest. While most everyone will agree that the sailor is the biggest factor in the equation, the boat/sails are right behind in the number 2 slot.

Put all the cards on the table. Let the potential boat buyers come to their own conclusion on whether or not a particular boat won on its design merits, or the extraordinary talent of a “hired gun rock star”.

The more information that is available, the better it is for an informed purchase decision. While a few teams might be able to win sailing a barn door/broom stick/bed sheet, the stats of all boats, by all teams, will give an indication if a given boat is a strong or weak design within a given Formula Class. Remember this is not one design and there could be significant performance differences between different brands as each attempts to create the fastest boat based on their own approach within the box rules.

I question any ones motives when they try to withhold information. Let the race results speak for themselves. It is better than having our information come to us from a slick marketing department.

Regards,
Bob