fastcat wrote:
I don't get the resistance to options.
I LOVE options. Just because they are there, doesn't mean you have to get them, but they are available for those that do.
In the past, options/variations have apparently lead to the death of the "base" class. For example, the introduction of the 18 Magnum and 18SX splintered the 18 class and accelerated its demise, or so I've been told. There needs to be just one racing configuration for the new boat
Personally, I think having a few "options" for recreational use is a great thing. For example, wings: don't make them class legal for racing, but having a set of easily removed wings would go a long way in making the boat appeal more to the recreational sailor. If this boat is going to be successful, it needs to appeal to the recreational sailors (like the H14/H16/H17/H18) instead of just the racers (like the FX1/Wildcat).
However, I think no matter what the base boat needs to be competitive out of the box - that means that any "optional" parts can't be used while racing, and any options are easily removed.
My personal opinion is that this needs to be a much more durable boat than the Fx1/Wildcat/A-class. If I was buying a new boat, I would want one that I could drag up onto the beach at the end of the day without worrying about damaging eggshell hulls. As for sails, maybe a main/spinnaker configuration, sort of an updated H17? I think the doublehanded market is clogged up, with the H16 and the F18, but I feel like there's room for a boat that's faster/more advanced than the wave, but below the A-class.