Wouter I don't really follow your constant comparisons with F18's; do you think these are potential F16 sailors that just need to be convinced by your wonderful machines? In the UK I would have thought that Spitfires, Shadows and H16 saiors are the likely target market with Fathers(or mothers) sailing with children or alone. To me that seems a real strong selling point and one that might attract me in the future. Sailing as I do at the moment (me 90kgs, good, regular and reliable crew at 60 ish) then the F18 suits me perfectly and I've certainly not been blown away by an F16 at any UK event. If I was lighter and needed to sail singlehanded regularly then the F16 would certainly be on potential shopping list, probably along with Shadow and FX-1. In terms of weight I don't mind the F18 around the dinghy park, it's a fraction of the time I spend on the water. However I would be concerned over whether or not I could right the boat alone, my F18 I would say not in the light stuff and the same for a Spitfire - for me that would be a compelling reason for the class to control the minimum weight so you do not lose a chunk of your potential market.
The F18 sounds like the right boat for you. Some of us, however, don't have your crew situation. There's the rub. If you had no crew how would you race?
The F16 is a versatile solution for those of us with crew problems.
Additionally, some lighter weight crews (2 people) find the F18 cumbersome.
The H16 sailors of my acquaitance are either commited to the boat until death <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />, or want an inexpensive boat. Where they are teaching a young person, they don't want the complication of a spinnaker.
