WF,
For my part, I can honestly say, my apologies - I was not aware that you had notified the class of the dimensions of/plans for the Jav16 when the 8.5m mast situation first came up.
On another topic - I think that all of us want Bim in the game - even if it means that they (and current homebuilders)are grandfathered in an extra "privilege" that the rest of us are not (9 m. mast). I cannot see how this would not be considered cooperation on the class's part.
Your point is well-taken about the rock-stars sailing the A's and F18ht's. The F16 is probably going to take longer to get going. But a lot of us are willing to go for a class based on dedicated, average sailors, and take it a bit slower. In the 18ht class, the rockstars were there from day one, before ANY races. I think that you should consider giving someone like Randy or Matt a Jav16, though
And what about Jav16's for the Worrell!
Just joking - I'm aware of the realities of the situation, but I hope you see why we are not likely to evolve in the same "instant rock-star boat" way as the 18ht.
What it boils down to is this: The F16 class is a sailor-based class. We've all been putting a great deal of effort into promoting our classes (F16 and one-design). But this is the first year. If you go into it with the attitude of "I'll support it after it succeeds" then it will never succeed! Why not, as a dealer, push the F16 class with the same tenacity and brilliance with which you've sold the 18ht class?
I would love to race Catsailor1 on his new Bim (although I'd rather call him by his/her first name). And yes, I plan to be at Tradewinds this year. And Spring Fever. Hopefully we'll show up in numbers. And maybe be allowed to race with the "big boys" this year at SF?
Thanks,
Michael C.
T4.9#32

p.s.
Good luck at the Nat's