For a spec pro series, a boat that captures the imagination and is a bit of a hairy beast is what you want, IMO. Notice the success of the Aussie-18 skiff series. One of the reasons it makes for a good pro series and good TV is that you have to be on your game to do it. When the Pro Sail thing was going on, the 40s were the stars of the show, even though the other boats probably provided closer racing. They were big, visible, and sure looked like a handful (whether they were or not). For me, the 22 fits that kind of a bill - they're exciting, and they have the capability to capture the imagination. Just what is needed.



Anybody who thinks the ARC boats are dinosaurs haven't been around them much, I think. Maybe they're not the current minute's approach to design, but that also doesn't put them in the has-been categorie. Are people really parking them because they're scared and bruised? I'd gladly trade my boat, that will probably not scare or bruise them, with one of theirs if they'd like to feel better... ;-)