New Development Classes

I thought I'd bring this topic up again.  I haven't had a chance to do much thinking over the last couple of weeks, but the idea is still live and kicking.

I would prefer to allow only asymmetric kites, for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, I suspect a traditional spinnaker may actually be quicker on a boat of this size - especially on restricted waters.  However, I believe it is a reality of the modern world that most people would expect a new design to be asymmetric.  They are simpler to use and give the impression of being quick.  To be a commercial success therefore, asymmetrics are probably essential.  Secondly, setting a fair course is always tricky in mixed spinnaker fleets, and one section would always complain! 

I don't see this as a tinkerers class - there are already classes to cater for this aspect of the sport.  It is important for a mainstream class to have the backing of the large manufacturers, and this concept allows them to bring out new designs regularly, without fragmenting fleet sizes.  Heck, they could even share marketting costs!  Small, specialist builders are likely to be able to produce more radical designs which may prove faster (and adapt them more frequently), however I don't see this as being in the interests of the class.  If the big boys are discouraged, the class would likely flounder. 

I have therefore been toying with the idea of charging a design registration fee, payable to the class association.  Basically, if you want your design to be considered as part of the F4 class (or whatever its called) you pay a fairly substantial fee to register it (£2000ish?).  Conceivably, when a set number of the design have been sold a partial rebate could be returned.

This has a number of advantages:

a.  It effectively blocks one-off designs/builds and encourages mini fleets of each design

b.  The money raised is used to promote the class

c. It would encourage manufacturers to get it right first time, with thorough pre-production testing, as each update will cost them

d.  Will discourage too many design changes, ensuring existing designs remain competitive for longer

What do you think?