One point someone made is that if the race were held in a class that had multipule brands it would pit the various builders against each other... I love the idea!

I whole heartedly agree with that. BUT, I have some doubts that a brand like Hobie USA would even bother to challenge. Hobie sold more Wave's and Getaway's last year than any other boat. Hobie USA is developing great products for recreation and very little for racing. The new formula boats are from Hobie Europe.

Plus there is very little brand loyalty. The racing community follows trends. If a team won a bunch of events on an Inter18, I bet Hobie Tiger sailors would jump ship. So when it comes right down to it... what does the brand really matter?

I say open it up to any production boat with allowances for custom sails and rigging.