Miles,

I often wonder where the quote of max weight of 315 lbs for the F16 comes from as the ONLY class to make a scientific and dependable analysis of the optimal crewweight was the Taipan class and the optimal weight was found to be 310 lbs.

With that the max weight will be a little higher than 315 lbs as competitive ranges often spread out by something like 25 lbs to either way from the optimal weight. So I advice everybody to read the article at :

http://www.geocities.com/f16hpclass/F16HP_optimal_crew_weight_analysis.html

And also look at the underlying data of the 2001 Taipan nationals at :

http://www.geocities.com/f16hpclass/F16HP_optimal_crew_weight_datapoints.html

where you all can see for yourself that 7 crews raced in the nationals at 150 kg or more (330 lbs +). The heaviest crew was actually 165 kg = 364 lbs.

Now I will never say that 364 lbs is the best weight to sail these boats at but it definately proofs that 350 lbs is not "way to much weight for the 16's" It also very puts an end to 315 lbs as maximum weight.

With respect to our fellow class 18HT, I have no further comments with respect to that it is strange to compare us with them with the differences between the boats and that the quotes made in relation to the 18 HT are sometimes remarkable beyond believe. I read somewhere in the Sailing world article that "... the Jav 2 considered a breakthrough boat that’s taking Europe by storm, ..." Now, we have yet feel the wind here in North west Europe and even at the Paris boatshow none were present. Needless to say that there were several F18's and 16's. F18 class is as yet still very much unimpressed about this breakthrough overhere. This years regatta results are the direct cause of this.

Also the claim :"The Jav 2 represents a departure: It’s the first small, uni-rigged beach cat specifically designed to be raced by a two-man crew. Up until now, all uni-rigged cats have been raced singlehanded " is remarkable from a historical context when looking at the following list of a few predessors : Dart 6000, Ventilo 20, Marstrom M20, Ventilo F18HT and yes even the Bim yards older designs like the Bim 6.0 of the 80's. even the very youngest of this list, the M20, has been around for several years already.

Also the sailing world article doesn't name 315'-345' as the ideal weight of the Jav 2. Actually it says nothing about that. see for yourself at :

http://www.sailingworld.com/sw_article.php?articleID=1472

What is MY point with this post ? I wish that people would research the facts before stating "Truths". The true facts are quite easily obtained.

And to this I would like to add that the True Thruths are often far less amazing.

I wish all the sailors of either class the best of luck for the future.

Fair winds

Wouter