My name is Glenn Brown.

I have no financial ties to any sailing equipment manufacturer. I am a financial member of no sailing organization other than ISAF directly.

I had been dreaming of a new F16 in my future, as the sheeting forces on my Tornado are excessive, and it's a bear to trailer and wheel around the beach, I've never been in great shape, and I am getting older.

I don't currently own an F16. I am not a member of the F16 class.

I believe it is disgraceful to respond to a reasonable suggestion to better the class with personal attacks against the character of the proponent, while claiming the forum should be reserved for scientific discourse.

I believe that the F16 class is "Crossing the Chasm" from a startup class to an established class, and that the leaders that serve the class best in the startup phase are not usually the best for growth. (Geoffrey Moore, Crossing the Chasm)

I believe that the F16 class has found a unique niche, and has the possibility to grow into a major class.

I believe the F104 is in the same niche.

I believe that at most one will become a major class.

I believe time has shown again and again that technology does not win. Technology is just an opportunity to for marketing (Seth Goglin, talking at Google http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6909078385965257294 ) Good marketing wins.

I believe the F16 class should be marketing itself to major manufacturers, because they aren't going to build both F16's and F104's, and the one they do build has won the marketing game. The other will wither and die.

I believe the F16 class should be actively pursuing major manufacturers, and be open to addressing any reservations they may have about the class, such as reasonably achievable weight, or ISAF status.

2c,
--Glenn