Hi Bob -

Long story somewhat short(ish); The Mystere folks were unable to fill a new boat order for me - I'd sold mine in anticipation of having a new one in time for the Nationals. With changes at the factory in production priority, I cancelled my order after waiting several months. In the mean time, I was continuing to crew for anyone who would have me - I was having the most fun at F18 events since all my Hobie and Nacra friends were there at the same time. Decided to get into the F18 fleet as an owner and ordered an Infusion. The roll-out in the US was delayed a bit, and it happened that there were plans to bring in some Capricorn F18s - the money was burning a hole in my pocket, I'd been boatless for a year, and the Infusion delivery dates were uncertain even for the rockstars at the time. I took a chance and I'm glad I did - fun class to sail in.

I think I'm a little light for the N20, but the F18 gives me lots of flexibility - two sail plans to accomodate teams from 250-pounds on up. I like sailing the smaller sails and have enjoyed greater success while sailing lighter. The big sails let me still ask the bigger guys along. Fits my preference for two-up, spinnaker buoy racing perfectly. At the same time, while a 400-pound boat with the small sail plan is not the best tool in the box for distance racing (the topic of this thread), you can still have a fun time in a mixed fleet (Mug Race) or at a F18-dominated event like the Great Texas.