I finally got the USSailing site to work and list Portsmouth numbers. The uni-rig P15 is rated faster than the 2-up P16, 76.3 vs 77.5.

To level the comparison, calculate the P16 solo (very easy to solo) and the P15 with a jib. The corrected DPN are now
P16 sloop and solo = 75.2
P15 sloop and solo = 74.4

The little P15 owes the P16 51 seconds per hour. So how can a smaller boat with much less sail are rate faster?

Instead of a jib, why not add a modern flat spin to the very capable uni-rig P15 sailplan. Now when you race a P16 you'll KILL him since the P16 is a downwind pig. You'll owe him 2:10 per hour but so what with a spin?

Bottom line? Buy a stock P16 and have an excellent time learning 1-up or with crew. Great boat, lots around, lots of parts, flies a hull higher than most. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />