eh... that is not a fair critique... the test pilots and the sailing tests can really only contribute information about the boat's performance on the water. There are only two new boats in the trials and only one boat looks or tries to be special (N17).

What don't people know about a Hobie 16 with spin, a Tiger, a Viper, or the Spitfire.?
These multihull trials are pretty dull... After the Nacra 17 (how fast is this boat with the curved foils and 100 lbs lighter then an F18) ... It becomes a choice... It's like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream. choose one... it is really not a decision based on the boats merits..

Take a look at the invitation. This has always been a political judgement on what equipment would be the most widely adopted. Of course ISAF has to make that call... ISAF is the political organization for all of the MNA's that go Olympic racing.

Why do you think Hobie paid to trial a H16 with spin? If ISAF primarily wants an established boat world wide... ISAF will make a decision on the basis of the established world wide factor. The test pilots don't have the authority to decide.