I dont think you need a new platform every year to stay competitive in the F-18 circus. The Tiger platform has not changed that much over the years, has it? (new daggers, isn't that all?)

Boats like new A-cats are very expensive. Not to speak about a new Tornado, but the competitive life is quite long so you get to write it down over many years. If you can not afford to buy a boat, build it yourself <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (but I agree, sailing is an expensive sport where you need lots of equipment. Beachcats are probably worse than other small dinghys)