I think it is strange that our manufacturers also mandate one-design sails...besides some obscure monohull classes, I can't really think of any monohull class that has such a requirement. That being said, however, I don't think there is anything wrong with the Nacra 20 class. I wouldn't turn away from the class if they opened up the sailplan to different manufacturers but I really don't have a big problem with the way things are. Most competitive one-design classes are feeling the tug from the F18 class and I don't think you'll be able to compete with F18 (assuming that's what you're after) unless you truly have a full on box-rule F20 class....but that has yet to get off the ground. F18 has probably reached such a mass that launching the F20 class now would be even more difficult. Someone mentioned the 6.0 class...them changing to add a spinnaker did one of two things; it prolonged the class or it dilluted it to the point that it could no longer survive. You really risk splintering the existing Nacra 20 class with such a move.

As far as it starting an arms war...well, somewhat maybe. All I know is that I can buy a set of sails, and have them shipped from europe, a lot cheaper than I can get a set of factory sails for either of the boats in my back yard. If you really want to stay competitive in any fleet, you are replacing your sails at LEAST every two years. It boils down to if you want to buy sails on an open market or a closed market.