gree2056... not only does it meet just about every criteria that has been set for the F12, other than being a catamaran...it is being manufactured and MARKETED by an established name in water sports with a huge world wide dealer network already supplying kayaks, surf boards, Sailboards, and now sailboats. This will definitely dilute the market share for the F12 catamaran. Those seeking a small high performance boat for their children now have a viable option to the Optimist.The F12 will have to take it up a notch in performance to stay ahead of the curve.

While watching the video it is apparent that they know how to market their product. The optimist was an easy target to shoot down... this Open Bic is going to be a lot stiffer competition.

Picture this, you take your 12 year old down to the sailing site...there is a home made, flat paneled, boxy looking F12 made of plywood...it has a "brushed on" paint job... with a rig that resembles some of the land sailor rigs posted...beside it is one of these sharp looking Open Bic's...He is a kid with no bias for or against catamarans, if you tell me he would not choose to sail the Bic over such an F12 you are lying to yourself.

The F12 better bring it's A-game, it will need to totally dominate on the water in order to overcome the media budget and maufacturing effeciency of scale that Bic has in play, in addition to overcoming the long established history of the Optimist..

Regards,
Bob