Fritz I have been talking with a few people lately about the H16 spinnaker and now have to re-track a little. I am interested how this spinnaker idea will turnout within the H16 class. What is very interesting is just in the last two years the H16 seems to have increased in popularity with new H16 fleets popping up in Greece, and other countries, etc. Plus, the new movement within South America is taking off. Its exciting even though I am not quit sure why all the new interest in the H16 is developing. I of course like the fact that the H16 class has been so successful for so long and is now gaining even more strength as a class. I might add the H16 Trapseat group is growing as well. I for one am going to jump on the bandwagon and get an asymmetrical spinnaker (I have the Trapseat spinnaker already) for my H16 and try it out and see how this develops within the class. You are right that the interest is gaining in regards to spinnakers on current designs and new designs. I for one think a spinnaker on a H16 will make for an exciting ride. I have experienced sailing with a Trapseat spinnaker on a H16 and the H16 does exceptionally well with it (more performance gains).

Fritz I am interested in what you said about the Dart 18 class, as I was wondering what happened to the Dart 18 class as it seemed that in a very short order they went for a large class (second to the H16) to almost nothing, like the TheMightyHobie18. Do you attest to this just because they did not change the boat and add a spinnaker? Come to think of it the H16 has change a bit sense the old days with new traveler system, new jib cut, etc., etc. Now it seems that a new downhaul and outhaul system will be added, which will not cost much to convert to or sell on current H16’s, and is a much welcomed addition to the H16 as the current system sucks.

So lets just do what is best for the class, and if you do not want to sail with a spinnaker then great as the H16 class will continue to also offer non-spinnaker events. So don’t jump ship just because a spinnaker is introduced, just check it out and try it and go from their. Once again non-spinnaker H16’s are the norm and as a class we must determine what is best so help out and stick with us.

To vote you can got to the North American Hobie Cat Assoc. website at www.nahca.org If you do not find where to vote just email the pres. of the assoc.