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JoshShirley said..
There are a couple reasons why Severne (a Starboard group Co) is making boards.
The best reason is a different factory and different way of building boards.
CMC - Compressed Molded Composites.
The boards ( Fox / Nano ) come out of high-pressure molds.
Cobra factory has a monopoly on windsurf board building - so they really can dictate market pricing.
I think Ben and his business associates are capitalising on his referent power. He and they realise the value of a brand just like Richard Branson. The leveraging of boards and other gear up the Severne sail brand makes great sense. Remember Ben is a great and talented sailor of world class standard and great sail designer and people seem to like him and recognise him and follow him as a leader in all he does in windsurfing. He gets better every year in his sailing and as he does so so does his referent power. This is why so many people in WA in particular have his gear (aside from sponsored team riders) and they follow him. WA is the Severne window to the world backed of course by the Starboard network and deep pocket. Indeed Severne's phenomenal market success to date would no doubt make an interesting case study at business schools.
I should further explain that "Referent power" is one of the Five Bases of Social Power, as defined by Bertram Raven and his colleagues in 1959. Definition: Referent power refers to the ability of a leader to influence a follower because of the follower's loyalty, respect, friendship, admiration, affection, or a desire to gain approval.
Bottom line great gear, excellent name, top designs make a great formula for success. I don't use the gear but I recognise the consummate professional Ben is. I have no doubt Ben has worked hard to build the brand.