A clarification from Hobie Cat...

Hobie Cat has no plans to make a spinnaker standard equipment on the Hobie 16. It won't happen.

Nor does Hobie Cat (as the Worlds boat supplier) plan to have a spinnaker class at the next Hobie 16 Worlds or for any future Worlds event. The Hobie 16 class will continue as is. Any change to this is extremely unlikely. At the IHCA general meeting in New Caledonia last April, the spinnaker idea was just one of many proposals by various people. I would think that this one, as some standard change to Hobie 16 racing, is out of the question. Of course, the spinnaker, as an accessory for a Hobie 16, has been available for many years and can be used in open class racing only.

Some confusion may be present due to a few special events planned in Europe next year. These do not relate to The Hobie 16 class in general.

Matt Miller
Hobie Cat USA