Sorry for the long posts but I just have a lot on my mind and this thread has got me thinking, remembering, and wanting to see what others think. Once again I do not think I know it all or am right but value the comments of the people on this forum.
Wouter where do you see the F16HT class going, will it keep growing, will new rules and designs changes come within the class, and will a new cat design take over and make the F16HT a thing of the past (which is my prediction). I remember when the H20, N6.0, I20, and on and on, all these designs were the next latest and greatest, only to see them grow less and less as a class. Now it's the Hobie Tiger, F18HT, F16HT, and who knows what is next. The only constant in my life of sailing has been the H16 for Abled or disAbled sailing. One of the things that I think keeps many from joining the HT is first they could care a less how fast the cats goes or what techy stuff it has, but also the fear of continued changes and costs increase, and durability. Sometimes one has to look outside of the Techy world to see what the average person wants, I think the Wave and H16 class speaks loudly to this group. I know for a fact that the H16 is riding a wave of new interest and class growth.
Ok here is a concept I know I am going to get bashed for but heck and would like to see what the reaction is to it with hopefully respectful comments. I am only trying to see what your views are, etc. A few very high end sailors have emailed me with response to my question about when the future of cat sailing (actually one of these sailors sent me a Tornado poster and CD with some great pictures). They have suggested that there is a three way un-official cat process that has developed, between the H16, Hobie Tiger/F18 (& maybe with the F18HT), and Tornado. The H16 class has been supplying quality youth and older sailors to the F18 class and even the Tornado class, and in turn the H16 class has maintain its own class following (with resent growth spurts in the last 2 years). It was suggested that this development is what is needed to show the rest of the sailing community that multihull sailing has developed into a viable class process. Now I know some of you will not like this due to your class of boats maybe not be included, but it is interesting whether one believes it or not.
As for there not being much of a market for a disabled cat sailing and products I would have to disagree, Just look at the Access Dinghy class for instance, its growing with leaps and bounds (I know its not a multihull). Cost is a major issue and most accessible boats are just out of reach to most people with disabilities pocket book, especially with how the world economy is.
The Trapseats was not an easy development or design, but the H16 did lend well to the concept of wing seats for people with disabilities, may due to the design of the H16 and the tramp frame. I am a rec. therapist and I deal every day with people with various levels of disabilities, so am well versed not only with Spinal Cord Injuries, but others disabilities as well. I am a tremendous fan of the Access Dinghy for a multitude of reasons, its not a multihull but absolutely fun to sail, my kids love the boats as well. The H16 has been a wonderful surprise to me as it has been very accommodating for a slew of disAbility types.
