Miles Moore, Mary, and Catsailor,

First off, Miles are you the same guy that tried unsuccessfully to bring a container of A-Cats into the USA from Europe, along with Wouter? Just wondering if you are the same guy. I also wonder how this proposed deal will set with USA Hobie dealers.

Mary, I agree with you that a Junior trainer is necessary in the USA. I also agree with Mary that the Hobie 14, while being a great little boat, is not suitable as the youth trainer. This boat would be a step back as a youth trainer, as it is yesterday's tech.

Catsailor1, I am intriqued by the concept of using a Taipan 4.9 or Javelin 16 as a trainer. These boats are lightweight, tough, fast, and responsive. I do have a couple of questions, however. First, are these boats too expensive? Second, are they too powerful for young sailors or are they available with smaller rigs? If so, the larger rigs could be added later for the bigger kids.

This is interesting stuff.