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We all know that the manufacturers could build their boats at 165kg if they really wanted to, but profit margins reign.


Hi Marcus

I don't believe it has anything to do with profit margins. The Formula was born from the Hawk and Tiger, both built at 180 kg. Builders today could build them lighter, very easily but they have a sucessfull class going at the moment and would put that at serious risk if they decided to knock 15 to 20kg off them.

The A class also can be built with ease now, down to 70kg..... But the class also does not wish to damage their sucessfull fleet. It would be a hell of a lot easier and less damaging too introduce it into the A Class, than the F18.


The original F18 was I think a KL. I seem to recall there was even a Hurricane 5.9 cut down to measure. The 180Kg was I believe put there to contain costs. It allows boats to be overbuilt and other than step changes in hull development boats through expected replacements/maintenance can remain competitive for many years. By taking this conservative construction approach the class has thrived. Yes construction changes are possible but what is the point if it adds cost and starts to alienate people who are sailing 10 year old boats. To my mind the F16 is compromised by its insistence on level rating the one and two man versions. If you not F16 'fleet' racing what is the point! Many of the boats will actually carry a handicap penalty for being classed as an F16 unless they are optimised.
F18 - works
F16 - born out of changing existing boats
F104 - brings numerous boats together

I would be more tempted to go F104 than F16, not for design excellence but for racing opportunities.

Cheshirecatman