Is this proof that evolution works?

Nope, just that a high percentage of dinghy sailors put class racing ahead of other factors... Including taste and aesthetics

Evolution works if you catch things at the right time. You really need to do it before you actually need it. Once the class has start to wane, chances are you will simply accelerate the decline. Also, if the price gap between old boats and new is too great (usually because no new boats have been built for several years) then you are effectively starting a new class if you change things too much, and we all know how that usually goes.

The Supersofa appears to have hit things pretty much perfectly, and I know lots of people who love the boat, not just the class racing. Can't say I'm really one of them, but each to our own - not many people think the Minisail is the right boat for them.

Originally posted by jeffers Having sailed a Mk1 and a Mk2A Supersofa the boats cannot be compared. Still not my cup of tea if I am honest but you cannot deny the success. I was surprised to hear that they insist on exclusive water use for their opens though (i.e. they won't share with other classes).

Originally posted by jeffers I was surprised to hear that they insist on exclusive water use for their opens though (i.e. they won't share with other classes).

Originally posted by turnturtle They probably told the D-Zeros to do one.....  can't blame them really, have you met the designer??? Anyway, snotty reasons is simple, the rig looks f-ugly, I'm not suggesting it doesn't work (in fact, I've seen a well sailed Supernova put a Phantom to shame once, and that was a leg-ahead over the bow of my then RS100.... )   Good luck to Hartleys..... not every shade of lipstick is for all us, but this is clearly a popular one amongst the old boys who have both the time and money to justify investing in new boats and keeping their class vibrant and moving forward- even if it is in a Vauxhall Astra kind of way.