Hi, steve,

I'm glad to see you're interested in the class. I'm excited about the prospect of a cheaper addition.

I think you might want some clarification, though:

1. As far as uni vs. sloop, the F18ht comparison is not accurate...the f16 as a doublehanded uni loses the WHOLE sail area of the jib. I have trouble seeing a 300 lb. team being competetive in less than 8-10 kts with that significant of a redux. in sail area.

2. a) Actually, most of the T4.9's (in fact, almost all) in the U.S. have F16 chutes. We represent the current class. Ignoring us does not make sense to me.

b) I would love to see WF become involved in the class... however, he has not done so, since he quit sailing the BIM. I do not blame him for this, but it is unrealistic for you to expect him to give equal support to a class that he does not race in. If he gives Randy a boat, and gets the F16 in as a Worrell boat, then I'll concede this point to you, and wholeheartedly agree that you're right. ;-) Until then, though, the class should rely on those members it already has in the U.S. You can't ignore the Worrell and Rockstar factor of the 18ht's success. ANY boat newly chosen for the Worell will sell 20+ boats in a year, based on that alone. Brilliant marketing, but unlikely for the BIM 16.

3. As I said, I'm very excited about the new boat. I really wish they'd chosen to build a "true" doublehander, though. As far as the difference in mast height, a redux. of .5 meters is a minimal task for the factory. I don't buy that it would be a great hardship for them. Matter of fact, I believe that several of the earlier BIM 16's had shorter masts.

Thanks,

Michael Coffman

T4.9#32