Mary, I agree with the first part as everthing has to justified first with sales.

The sailing community is a strange medium. The 1 design mentalaity is very strong and is opposite most other industries where a new model is needed every year.

The Formula concept is great for sailing as it allows to some extent the even up competition inherant in 1 design and combines it with the new model tweeking that a lot of other people enjoy as well. It is not good for the catamaran companies though unless it really sparks a huge increase in participation. Designs, tooling and continuing development are very expensive. To stay in business you do what you have to do, but the cost per boat has gone way up relative to producing 1 of something the same way for 30 years.

Matt