There are many reasons we chose a Spitfire when we did, coming from an RS800 skiff we still wanted to go fast, very fast. The test ride in a force 4 blew us away we had to have one <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> We wanted a new one (I like new boats) and being several thousand pounds we could not quite afford it.
I asked Reg White if I could trade in my RS against a new Spit. sadly they did not do trade ins.
The Spit had not long been launched and they were keen to promote it so Reg let me delay payment of a portion of the cost until I had sold my dinghy. Too good to miss, so we went for it.(dont ask for this now though!!!)
F18 at the time were dearer, much heavier to pull up our shingle beach and not really much faster. My crew has arthritis so lighter loads were needed too.
Since then the F18 has got massively faster with each new design so Im happy to stick with my one design, and not see my boat de-value so much.
Interestingly enough the best thing about the class was and still is the friendly helpfull nature of the sailors.
It is a joy to meet up with them every month or so and race.
Many are now good friends. Reg White of course is a god. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Single-handed......? Ive done it in light winds which was fun and been left alone when I lost my crew in a 5 which was not <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
When I first bought there was no F16 circuit and I didnt like the look of the early Stealth with its sticky up front (like the later ones and the Blade though)
Definately try each design first, there is a boat to suit you out there!
happy sailing
Gary