Rise Of The Ok etc

Other threads are available - or you could knit your own.  Sorry, strictly speaking, spin your own, I guess.

As for the V3K/L2K (what should I can it now then?) - my point is simple, whether intended or otherwise, imho many people who sail against them, do not differentiate between a Laser version or a Vandercraft version.   In the same way they wouldn't differentiate between a Feva with dacron sails and one with mylar XL sails.  In same way they wouldn't instantly recognise the difference between an old topper Blaze and one of the new Mk3 epoxy Cirrus ones.  

and what of that is not true?    They didn't launch it as a completely new class - it was orchestrated in direct association with the existing class, so naturally it is perceived to be the same class, same people, same handicap, even though the product was substantially different.

As for the Phantom - it was the ultimate makeover dinghy - and very successful it was too, in part due to the perceived generous handicap situation it found itself in.  For a short period of time that was, until a) the handicap started to drop so some of your class spat their dummy out and are selling/have sold out and b) something 'better' has come along and gained some traction in your membership- particular in the SW.

As the venerable Kate Hopkins tweeted yesterday- I don't give offence, you choose to take it.  Make better choices. 

And I am not suggesting that in reality there is any 'conspiracy' around any lipstick classes, or indeed the commercial opportunism that Graeme believes- they are simply trying to survive in a competitive, shrinking market space where costs are going up and clients are getting greyer.

Obviously those selling 'classic designs' with modern twists, usually have the will and endorsement of their existing customers in the guise of a class association- sailors have money invested in their classes, and most importantly, they want friends to race against- in class racing, and generally speaking, not hopping from one fad to the next at ten grand a pop, hoping the PY will keep up with that market to make the racing credible.  

I've owned 'lipstick classes' myself- I've no issue with them in the slightest.