Kirk,

I have been setting back and reading all the recent posts on this forum and agree with one poster on the F-18 forum that the posters should go out and sail! I agree that "catsailor" should sign his name to his post and I know who he is, however it is his decision to make. He does make a couple of points that I agree with.

First, everyone keeps mentioning that the "dealer" (me?) did not respond to questions about the Bimare 16 or Javelin 16. THIS NOT TRUE! I have responded to every e-mail from you or Wouter. You know that you cannot say the same, can you?

That said, "catsailor" has tested the BIM 16 and probably would have bought it, if the Javelin 16 had not been announced. Unfortuntely, our class trailer is full of Jav 2s and A-Cats for the trip to Key Largo. Besides, all of the sailors that I have contacted, regarding sailing the Bim 16 at Key Largo, are not interested in sailing against 4 or 5 other F-16s. They are all electing to sail F-18HTs or A-Cats, against the likes of Randy Smyth (multi-time world champ/Olympic medalist), Brian Lambert (2 time Worrell 1000 champ), John Tomko (current H-20 NA champ), Bob Hodges (A-Cat ace), Wiliam Sunnucks (Texel winner), Chris Brown (former 5.8 Nacra champ), Mike Krantz (Melges 24 contender), Dave Lennard, myself, and others.

Until the F-16 class gets some regattas with 10 or more boats racing as a class, then it will be difficult to get these established sailors to participate. This achievement of "critical mass" is paramount to the success of the F-16HP class and I hope that the inclusion of the Javelin 16 in the class will help get to this point more quickly.

Remember, it was I who suggested that the F-18HT and the F-16HP combine our initial North Americans. The concept of lightweight formula racing succeeding in the USA is what keeps me striving to make our class better. The A-Cats, F-16HPs, and the F-18HTs all sailing in Key Largo during the same time period is truely exciting for me.

I remain optimistic that the F-16HP class will include the Bimare 16 footers in their future plans and the the two lightweight Formula Classes (F16HP and F18HT) will continue to grow and prosper.

W.F. Oliver