Thomm,

Downwind on a F16 when 1-up, you'll overtake F18's and F20's/inter 20's. Upwind is always a game of who can trim their rigs the best and get their boats to stream.

I have heard similar comments about the I-17R (F17 or however it is called now). There is not too much difference between these boats in performance. The differences are mostly to be found in the boat specs. The I-17R having about 3 sq.mtr more sailarea (30 sq. ft.) and having more "ready to sail" weight. Rating systems reflect this situation.

For example.

Texel rating F18 = 101 (with US PN = 62.4)
Texel rating F16 = 101 (with US PN = 67.1)
Texel rating I-17R = 103 (with US PN = 66.7)

But US PN is WAAAAAY off in relating the F16/F17's to the F18's. And that is why the F16's in US are racing off the 2-up D-PN handicap which is at 65.2. I think the F17's should have a faster rating then 66.7 as well.

They are both fast boats when singlehanded. The EU and Aussie I-17's however are simply alot slower overall. Personally I have not seen a single F17 being exported outside of the US however and in the long run this is going to be an issue for this class.

So is this fair and mild enough to all you guys ?

Wouter