as much as their pomposity and pretentiousness. I never read the article Jon references so I can't comment on it's tone, but I have read plenty of others in sailing rags that want you how how vastly indulgent these boats are to meet their owners extrordinary personal needs and tastes. Whatever. Whether, someone requires a custom-yet to be named colour- to express their demanding nature or a mast that resembles a Ronco fishing rod, the boats often end up making a statement about the owner. It just may not be the one they intended... I'll admit right up front that I'm a little tired and cranky this morning so I probably just sound jealous, but I think that about the best thing you can say about some of these boats is that they are building them domestically. Proof that trickle down economics work.