I find it very strange that members of a class like the Formula 16, which is trying to build itself up, would not be supportive of and encouraging to new boats and to designers and builders who are creating boats specifically for the F16 class.
Mary,
What are you referring to here? The class has always encouraged and involved manufacturers interested in the class.
The Bimare X-16 was not built for the F-16 class and does not meet the rules, although it appears to be a very nice boat. Bimare could have chosen to make a boat according to the F-16 parameters if it was interested in doing so.
AHPC and Greg Goodall have been very supportive of the F-16 class. Their Taipan is a foundation boat and new Viper was designed to fit the F-16 rules. It does fit the rules and I'm sure many sailors will buy the Viper as it looks like a very nice design. It happens to be heavier than the rules allow, which may or may not be important to some sailors.
