I prefer open class. The best sailor thing is very subjective to me. Great sailors sail great on any boat they choose to run. It just so happens that great sailors also are frequently on the cutting edge of technology. Then there are others that have so much experience and knowledge on their boat of choice; they can compete very well without "new" stuff. Then there is always where you are racing too. The locals always have an advantage of weather, water and wind knowledge (Rick White reference ha ha ha).

One design has some similar boat problems. A 10-year-old H16 typically will not be as race-ready as a 2yr old. But, depending on who sails that ten yr old boat, it could do very well. The same is true in open class. No matter what boat it is, it still comes down to the sailor. One-design more or less paints a legitimacy of a level playing field to some people. I don't see it as any better as open class.