Catfan,

Do you know why Bimare decided (again ?) to not make the X16 boat F16 compliant ?

I'm honestly wondering about that. The F16 class rules allow the main points on Bimares wish list without risking non-compliance; a carbon mast, a uni-rig, lightweight construction and Wouter no longer an official in the class <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> .

Indeed, a ui-rig is somewhat less competitive in the 2-up configurations but it won't be in the 1-up situation and some peopple truly believe that an uni-rig is always faster then a sloop. So if Bim really believes uni-rigged F16's are superior in all uses then lets have one !

I wonder why the Bimare designs like the Javelin 16 and apparently now the X16 are soo similar to the F16's but still being non-compliant in only a few minor points. There is not really any good reason to not make the carbon masts 0.5 mtr shorter en increase the sailarea by 1.0 sq. mtr. If anything the boat will be faster, the carbon mast can be cut-off at the bottom and the sailmaker will make any size sail you ask him for, all for the same costs. But maybe more importantly, the new Bim will then be part of a class that much more sales potential the world over then the "go-at-it-alone" alternative. I think the "succes" of the Javelin-16 class would have shown that by now.

It all just doesn't make any economic sense to make X-16 so similar yet not F16 compliant. Like that you are entering into direct competition with the big boat builders like Hobie (FX-extreme = F104) and Nacra (I-17R c.q. F17 = F104) AS WELL as the F16 class. This combination is just too powerful in comparison to the Bimare yard to have the X16 stand much of a chance. It will be far smarter economically to choose a side (F104 or F16) and run with that.

Where does my reasoning go wrong. Do you know ?

Wouter