What kind of durability do these boats have when there are collisions? Fibre glass can break without much force. I'm just curious. I think I'd be real nervous that first couple of minutes in a crowded race with 25k under me.
I agree with Eric's previous post and while carbon is stronger and stiffer than fiberglass, it typically has less impact resistance. Most of the sailors entering the A-class are fairly experienced so it's rare that we see collisions (but they do happen). At the last Midwinters with over 50 boats, there were no incidents at all but at our last Gulfport regatta, a new sailor let his boat get away from him and there was minor damage to his and another boat (but they were both sailing the next day).
In all honesty, I'm more vigilant at larger open class regattas because the experience level is not as high (typically more novice sailors) and we have to keep an eye on the spinnaker boats because their ability to keep clear and see everything downwind is more limited than our boats.
Bob Hodges