I guess what it comes down to then is speed .. Its not a problem if the cat is a bit complicated (as long as I can right it alone)so in wind speeds of mostly 7 knots which would be faster the Nacra A3 or the Shadow? And are there any other F16s that might be better for me than the shadow?
And what about the spitfire? is it too much for one person to handle?
The Nacra A3, F16 and Spitfire are all faster than the Shadow - if you can handle them. No offence meant, but I would think that you would drive the Shadow just as fast as any one of the others, because of its siplicity and your light weight. I think that you are a bit light to sail the Spitfire alone in anything over 15knots. Unless you are very experienced, you will find the others are also a handful in that windband.
Look at it this way, Unless you are a very experienced Formula 1 racing driver, you will actually drive a GT or Sports car a lot faster than you will drive the Formula 1, because of the problems setting it up properly and controlling the power.
I remember the huge difference in power when I moved from the Catapult to a Dart 18 - not to mention the move on up to the Hawk. Now I find the Spitfire just perfect <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
