I have heard that term used before -- "arms race." But the term really flies in the face of the basics of the USA economy.., competition is what lowers prices.
Calvert is one of the leading sailmakers for the Wave, with his top-of-the-line sail (this is a color-load high tech sail) is just under $1K. He also has recently come out with experimental sails made of High-modulus Dacron at about half that price, and a Pentex that is in between those figures. See the item on our store at
https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=30719&idcategory=0So, because of the so-called "arms race" prices have been reduced.
Whenever there is competition, there will not only be excellence in the product, but lower prices.
When I was racing Tornadoes in the 70s there were a multitude of sailmakers, each trying to outdo the other to get sales. And bargains were abundant. And the sails were of very high quality.
On the other hand. When Laser or Hobie decides to raise their prices, who is able to compete with them? No one! So, the buyer is the one that suffers.
And suppose the manufacturer not only raised the prices, but reduced the quality of the sail. Where are you going to go then? No where to go! You are stuck. Either buy a poor product at a high price.., or get out of the class.
Competition is what this country is made up of. (I know.., as an English Major I know that you are not allowed to use a preposition to end a sentence with.
)
Rick
