Mike it is, but look at Easton/Burds scores at major NE regattas where they have lead wire to wire against teams that are consistently ranked in the Top 10, including Ken...

Different boat, different event, and I realize the Alter Cup is a big deal but the TheMightyHobie18 is no longer a big deal boat. If the event was being sailed on F18's or Hobie 16's I would find the result more surprising, simply because of the depth of talent in those fleets, not saying the TheMightyHobie18 guys aren't competitive but I don't believe they are travelling internationally, sailing Olympic events etc. like many of the F18 and H16 sailors are.