The other US PFD manufacturers do not have to meet any different standard. It's just the design of a PFD for fishing, kayaking, skiing, etc. is significantly different than one whose purpose is competitive sailing. Unfortunately the competitive sailing market is very small in the US, whereas the same market is fairly large in Europe, Australia, and Asia. It just doesn't make economic sense to spend $200,000+ to have the Zhik PFD USCG approved in the US. If I sold one to every competitive sailor in the US, I still don't think I could recoup my investment.

Meanwhile, I think our only solution is to carry "Mae West" version around in our hulls...

I am the North American Marketing and Distribution manager for Zhik. I've made no secret of that I have a vested interest in this matter.