“More often then not they are more conservative then non-professional classes. Most development is done in small and tinker oriented environments.”

Wouter I think you have stated that very tactfully…

I would go so far as to say the “Professional” classes…as well as established 1 design in general… take an adversarial position on innovation…“It’s all about the sailor”… the boat is just a means to an end…To others it’s all about the advancing of boat design regardless of the repercussions to established classes.

There is plenty of room for both points of view…and lots of room in the middle…but please Stephen do not use “professional classes” as any indication whether a new innovation has merit or not. Even if proven positive beyond a shadow of a doubt…those with the mind set of “it’s all about the sailor” will vigorously resist any change to boat design which redefines the level of the playing field.

Regards,
Bob