I have to agree with David, a bare carbon mast compared to ali is not much more expensive, its the fittings and build time which racks up the costs and that is equal what ever mast you use. Dare i say it but I think a few of the Carbon mast manufacturers do rely in the mystique of Carbon to justify their prices.

We are a unique class in that we are in essense an experimental class, now everybody acknowledges that carbon masts are better so why are we dithering, lets bite the bullet and allow any mast you like as long as its class legal in girth and length. As a by product of that move you will allow light weights to sail solo, have less masts break and be seen to be a modern look ahead class.

Scooby Simon your perceived thoughts on just how effective adjustable T Foils could be is way over the top, if you are so worried about them then simply put an overall area size for the horizontal foil, if the area is small enough then no matter how much angle of attack they have, they simply cannot generate enough lift to be able to influence a 16ft boat.

David is very right in saying that the foils we use are completely different to that of the Moths, our small foils will never create enough lift unlike the Moths which are quite large and designed for lifting the whole hull out of the water <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />