So would you rather have only Hobies in the F-18 Class? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Then nobody would have to ask.

The best thing about a formula class is that a number of manufacturers can get involved in making the boats. Why would they want to do that if they aren't ever going to be mentioned and never get any publicity?

More manufacturers means more boats sailing in the class and growth of the class. It means more competition at the top end of the class as manufacturers compete for the top spots SO THEY CAN GET SOME PUBLICITY and sell boats. All of which is good for the growth and diversity of the formula class.

We watch a lot of motocross, which involves formula classes, and it does not take anything away from the riders when the announcer is constantly mentioning who is on what Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc.

It's just human nature to want to know the brand of the car or bike, the lineage of the horse, the manufacturer of the sailboat, even though they are all racing straight-up.