I've been keeping on eye on this French forum, but it appears they are way behind the curve. Probably bcause they don't read any English Language websites. For example, they have just discovered T-foils because some Spitfire crews are adding them to their boats. And they are analysing equality of performance between the F18's and smaller lighter boats like the F104's (and F16's in the rest of the world). Not to mentioned the discussion if they should copy the F18 setup in having to different sets of sail area's for different crew weights. In the English language based scene these topics are already considered old, proven or discussed till their conclusion.

Basically, T-foils work, lighter smaller boat can be just as fast as the F18's and different sets of F18 sails don't work nearly as well as intended.

If one or two of them did a search on for example catsailor.com then they'll find most of their questions and considerations answered and proven with race results.

Also they are continueing to call the Viper F16 an F104, Stephane had to pull some tricks to "proof" his stance but the intent is clear. They want the Viper to be a F104 so as to claim an builder not local to France as getting into their F104 class.

F104 is basically a French class and from what I read non of the big builders like Nacra or Hobie is closely involved. At this time it is basically the Boulogne and Mattia yards with a group of private Spitfire owners. Again, Bimare is not longer actively supportive of the F104, in favour of a different 16 foot design and AHPC, well their Viper is an F16 with a rating of 1.030 were a raing of 104 or slower is allowed under F104.

I hope this updates the F16 class on what is happening overthere.

Wouter