Hi all,

have attached a photo of Marcus sailing the first "Formula Catamarans Australia" Blade F16 to hit the water. The second boat which he will be sailing at the Global Challenge is already in the Netherlands.

I went over to Adelaide on the weekend and sailed this latest version of the Blade F16, I brought it home with me. Before you ask, this boat is fitted with all the standard gear as supplied by FCA, alloy wing mast etc., before I say any more I would like to make the following announcement.


"I will be acting as an agent for FCA, so the Blade will be available for Demos etc. I intend to participate in as many regattas as I can on the East Coast of OZ. I will be able to answer most queries regarding equipment, prices etc. soon. So look forward to answering any queries and having the boat available for Demos from the start of Sept. If you have a regatta on and want to see the Blade, just let me know when and where and I will see what I can do."

WOW! the FCA Blade is amazing in every way <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />. The standard of finish and workmanship by the hull builder Tony Barrett is amazing, I had the pleasure of seeing a partialy built boat in the factory . <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I have been involved with many Fibreglass factories since first selling sailboards for Hawke Bros. in 83'and I can say without a doubt the finish and attention to quality internaly is the best I have ever seen <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />. No drops of glue or filler or drips of resin anywhere and the strength of the structure and there is lots of it inside, looks bullet proof. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Then the fit out and assembly by Marcus again WOW! I have been frusrated by how long it has taken Marcus to get the first FCA Blade F16 on the water <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. But now I can see why, the attention to detail and the number of custom made fittings and simplicity of systems is nothing but professional and of the highest standard, no wonder it has taken time, now I can say it was worth waiting for <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />. Don't get me wrong though, it was a rush at the end and some things still need finishing, but for the first sail on the first boat on the water it is well on the way. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The crews that go to Zandvoort and see the FCA Blade will be impressed I am sure.