It is a US thing.

Hell, I threw out my back this season from helping to step all those F18 masts !

Seriously, on the beach there isn't that much bickering between makes at all. Were I sail nearly all races are open class anyway. If you sail well on any boat then you get congratulated by all.

Hell, the Dutch F16 class is headed by a guy who races and owns both an A-cat and F16.

Persoanally I enjoy being on the start of the F18's, A's and others.

But all "fun" aside I think when all US sailors hook up at some event that this is not much different. Last time I went over to the USA for a regatta I had a great time and everybody was friendly. The bickering on this forum is just that; "bickering on a forum"

Wouter