maurizio,
fair enough. Your answer is kind of what I was getting at... like the T4.9, the jav16 isn't really an optimized, 1-or-2 up f16, but a boat that can fit that mold (although having a jib makes the 4.9 closer). It's based on the company's previous experience, and other designs.
I still don't get the mast height problem...why would it be a big deal for this 1-up boat to be ordered with a 8.5 meter mast? You even said that the Bim's originally came with smaller masts...
Re. the newcomers: actually, all the "newcomers" have 8.5 meter masts, and seem supportive of the new rules. And again, the rules have always implied the use of a jib in 2-up.
As far as the problem of being underpowered... yes, you're right, I really can't see how you expect the optimum sail area to be the same for 1 AND 2 people. That's why the other boats have jibs. Thus my original confusion
I'm not trying to be obtuse, but it really doesn't make sense to me.
Thanks, I appreciate the explanation.
Michael Coffman