Wouter
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<br>My opinion is based upon race results and hands on sailing rather than Texel ratings in windy conditions and large surf, there is no denying that performance ratios based upon sail area to crew weight, to surface area, to weight etc. will give techinically the 20 the greater advantage from a a Force 1-4(and does also on the water) however the reality of the situation appears to be that in the harder winds ie 5- 6-7 then the boat is somewhat overpowered, unless you are built like a brick shithouse. I would personally like a 20 but I need the crew to weigh in with it to have any real advantage.
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<br>With what you say about the beam being too narrow for the high aspect mast, I would probably agree, after all its not a wide boy like the tornado. However after some sailing on the Hurricane back home in Blighty the f18 appears a little tame in the handling upwind and halfwind bringing the 20 into similar realms of handling.
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<br>But really at the end of the day it depends on who is sailing it to a great deal when you are playing with 2.5% speed differentials.
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<br>PS The forecast is better for the weekend but they said a 4 for yesterday on Monday and what did we have an 8 if I remember.
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