I love the cool graphics and I agree, it does attract spectator attention and may even bring in some new blood. However, I remember back in the late 1970's, all the serious racers started buying only white boats. I was told this was due to two reasons: 1. Supposedly, White boats were lighter because they didn't have the added weight of "pigment", and easier to repair with no visible marks. 2. The "Real Reason", it's MUCH harder for the race committee to call a boat over early if they are all white!

If you see a red hull, and a blue hull and a bright yellow hull, well, it's pretty easy for them to say, "Hey, the Red boat is early, who is that?" But if they are all white, it's pretty hard to do. So I beleive around the early 80's is when all the real racing skippers went to white only on their hulls, with as few identifying marks as possible! You will see them pushing the starting line pretty hard at any big championship, there is actually a buldge in the middle because they feel safe there, since their hidden by the boats to windward.

I would prefer to see more colorful hulls and sails, for the reasons you have put forth.