Dear 49er,



I can garantee you that the Taipan nationals will get a better turnout than the F16 nationals; but this and the fact that there is even a Taipan nationals is no achievement of the Taipan 4.9 one-design class. Nor is the difference in turn-out caused by the US sailors favouring one-design (no spi) Taipan sailing over formula sailing. Please do not forget that the first time the Taipans sailed in a US class race of their own was in the F16 class at Springfever regatta 2002.



In the USA the F16 class and the Taipan 4.9 class are one and the same and things are organised by the same people. And I do flatter myself with having had a very big contribution in setting up this organisation.



If I have made any claim with respect to the Taipan 4.9 class and the USA, which I don't think I have in my other post, than chances are that it is fully justified that I make such claims.



Ofcourse the class would not have build up the current potential without class officials like Phill, Kirt, John and Micheal



Now, I think it is a very good thing that the F16 class supports both the F16 class events as well as one-design events of the individual designs and I much like to see the F16 class organise more than just F16 events. And I think Micheal is doing a very good job with the US Taipan 4.9 nationals this November. Thank you Micheal.



But a few more points before I leave it that. 49er, all (15) but one 4.9 have F16 spis in the USA, but US sailors compete and race in both modes and that is just the way it should be done. F16 is not intended to replace Taipan class and will go to great lengths to avoid harming the Taipan class.



Does the F16 class lean on the Taipan 4.9 design to get started in the World ? Yes, indeed, it was planned that way. Does the Taipan 4.9 class get to go outside Australia as a result of the F16 class ? Hell, yes !



Seems we are in this one together and that we can't see the first without the other and visa versa.



And if you'll pardon my French, I will bow to any man who has achieved more over the last 2 years with regard to internationalizing the Taipan design.



Now, I know how difficult it was during that time and how much work went into it. Not to mention the countless e-mails to interested sailors and potential buyers and possible builders. And I think I have a pretty good grasp on who is who in the scene. So if you don't mind :"No thank you, I don't care for a bet" and I quite frankly resent the implication of your statement. And I also think it is very misguided.



With kind regards,



Wouter