I dont know much about the Decision35 or the Ventilo M2. I think I read somewhere that the Decision35 was ment to stop an arms amongst pretty well off racers on the lakes in Switzerland? The Alinghi cat was one of the most extreme examples of this?
The VX40s are a creation of Mitch and Herbie, trought their TornadoSport company, and it is a commercial venture. I dont know how much Marstrøm contribute in the effort? But your point is well taken, you need manufacturers and builders to succeed. Not only in supplying the boats, but supporting the class.

I agree that you need something like a Worrel1000 or other high profile event, but what should come first, the boat or the event? Chicken and egg paradox in my opinion. The F-16 class grew without a major event trough their versatility, usability, affordability and performance. I am more inclined to that model for starting a class and growing it step by step instead of betting everything on a high profile event (which might fail).

360lbs and up sounds good. Obesity is becoming a problem in the western world <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I am pretty sure the average weight will increase in the future. If you are lighter, get some sails to fit you within the design envelope. Light teams can also be fast until the wind really pipes up, but how often do we sail in those conditions (as Phill pointed out). However I think there are more 'heavyweights' struggling to keep the match weight in other classes in the western world than the other way round. Except for the Star class..


I can't speak for others, but there seems to be interest. I also firmly believe we need some new boats on the water before this comes any further. The right mix of people is also needed, but I dont see them here right now.