I still think the biggest factor in youth classes is cost. Parents, especially non-sailing parents, are not going to rush out and pay $11K for a boat knowing how kids interests quickly change. When my Daughter started band she got a cheapie rental trumpet. After watching her practice 1-2 hours every day for 6 months I then decided it was worth the effort and expense to upgrade her equipment. She now has a $1000.00 trumpet. If she continues the path she's on and her skills continue to improve, there will be a top-of-the-line Stadivarius trumpet in her future. I think there should be an A Fleet / B Fleet setup which would make it easy to become involved and start to learn and would give a motivation to move up to the A Fleet with higher competition and better boats as their skills improve and they continue to show desire for the sport. I think the Hobie 16 with or without spin would be great choice for the beginner class. My oldest daughter who is the other sailor in the family already drools over the Mystere 4.3. In part due to her motivation I am getting a newer modern boat myself. This will allow both of us to better our skills and will make racing more enjoyable as we should be able to keep up the the rest of the fleet a little better. If she (and the other kids) continue to enjoy sailing I will get them a second boat. If they want to race I will probably get them either a Mystere 4.3 or a Taipan 4.9. Otherwise I'd probably get them a Wave. Average parents with average incomes are not going to spend big bucks unless they feel it is justified. Once they see their child has talent or desire for a sport or hobby then they will sacrifice and do what it takes to give their kids the best tools needed. This is how it works in almost every sport & hobby, at least here in the US. Whether it's skating, auto racing, bicycling, etc... they all start off in lower, cheaper classes to allow almost anyone to at least try it. Higher classes, with better equipment, classes, & training for the ones who show the talent and/or desire to step up.