Thanks for the replies. I was under the impression according to the ratings the 18 was 6min a mile faster. I was thinking to myself from having both there is no way. Anyways I spoke to someone from the race who explained it was 6 minutes an hour faster. That makes alot more sense.What I did not take into account was if I went over. Usually if I go over Im sailing with a group, If one of us goes over someone will just jump off their boat help right right the capsized boat then we will sail back to the other boat. Of course this is in the ocean with plenty of sea room. I dont think I can come up with a solo righting for the 18 ,but I can for the 16.On the other hand I might go over maybe once a year. I could see it getting hairy though with the traffic.I have only been sailing Cats for about three years, but I deliver sailboats offshore and the learning curve has been quick. (Am also gearing up for a singlehanded transatlantic on my monoslug )Have also sailed into NYC a couple of times so am familiar with the waters.Anyways I am getting excited to test out my junkyard beachcat skills with all you pros. -regards thomas wrightsville beach