I think the F16 manufacturers are happy to leave these area's as the main market for Bimare. Also, I've not spotted much interest there in the Bim-16 and Javelin-16 predecessors to the X16, so why would things be different now ? I think interest is low now in either design as neither is promoted much or can present a possible buyer with a viable class structure in this area.

However the thing that is a little bit illogical is the decision to introduce a non-F16 in these area's knowing full well that even it is is succesful (not garanteed by any measure) that it will be very difficult to grow outside of this area because of the F16 being alot stronger outside of it. Any alternative to the F16 can pretty much forget about Northern Europe, USA, Australia/New Zealand and the parts of Asia and Africa. Example, There is simply no way that VWM will produce this X16 for the US market as it will directly compete with its own Blade F16; that would be economically stupid. Exchange rates and lack of class will rule out imports. Similar strong arguments exist against the X16 for the other regions. If the X16 were to be a full F16 in all area's then a possible success in France, Italy and Switzerland could provide a springboard to other area's the world over using the F16 general promotion and class structures.

Personally I don't understand why a Bim X16 in F16 compliant mode would have less chance of succes in France, Italy and Switzerland then a non F16 compliant Bim X16. The differences are too small to notice unless the two designs are right along side eachother. The same in the way of performance.



It is also really doubtful that starting a whole new class based on the area of France, Italy and Switzerland will be enough. I don't assign much chance of succes to a class based mostly in Italy and Switzerland, previous experiences with the various Bimare, Eagle and Mattia classes have shown that much, so France will be the only and last battle ground. The F16 alternatives absolutely need that area to have any chance of surviving as an major class. F16 can establish itself beyond any doubt if it claims France, although it can probably survive as a major class without it.

Basically, we are all setting ourselves up for a major conflict in France that will not be beneficial to either one of us. Currently the F16 class is "locked in" and has been for the last 5 years, and so we can't change. Therefor the F16 class will have to meet any (NEWLY FORMED) challenges head-on and try to beat them outright. I don't fancy the chances of any new class without a fleet or class structure in such a scenario, especially if it is not a F104.


I know many will hate me for saying it, but if the X16 is anything like its predecessors (Go-at-it_alone) than it will simply fail as a class as well. It looks like all the same mistakes will be made again.

And Mark Pressdee is right, we (cat and dinghy manufacturers) are often our own worst enemies.

My theory is that Bimare just wants to use as many parts and tooling of their other models like the A-class as they can to minimize costs and maximize profit. Why else make the Bim-16 and Javelin-16 predecessor 2.3 mtr wide (= same as A-cat) and fit it with a mast and mainsail of A-cat dimensions and a single trapeze ?

Bimare better make the X16 something really special if it wants to win that very steep uphill battle against the F16's and possibly the F104's. The Bimare yard is no where near the size and power to even try such a thing succesfully. You'd have to be a company with the size and market/dealor penetration of Hobie cat or Nacra to even consider it. Notice how well their FX-one and F17 are doing ?





Of course it is very nice to hear that the X16 could be modified into a full compliant F16, but lets not confuse ourselves here. A competitive F16 is best designed as one from the beginning; that much we have learned from converting the Taipans.

I would even go one step further. It would be smarter to design the X16 as an F16 and when so desired modify it into a non-F16 setup when so requested by the buyer. It is always better to adjust a design downward then upward. And lets be honest, the new F16 designs (Viper and Aussie Blade) are currently putting down a real challenge in speed and handling. It will not be simple to get level with these by modifying a non F16 design here and there; that time has passed.

Wouter