Pete, exactly what were all these guys angry about? I mean, in what regatta has it been a problem? I can only think of one single regatta, the A cat-F-16 Gulfport regatta, where there was much of that going on, and even then, it was only what, two boats? that changed from two up when it was blowing 25 on Saturday, to Uni on Sunday? Was that the regatta they were talking about or was there some other regatta I'm not aware of? Where has any F16 team ever hurt any other boat team by swithcing back and forth? What exactly are these guys upset about?

I think they are upset that Matt and Gina keep kicking their butts, but Matt and Gina almost always race two up, they never jump back and forth in a regatta. I think maybe they are also upset because there is no other class that offers the option of going solo or sloop. That was one of the big reasons I bought the F16 concept.

Here's how I see it. I think the F16 is faster in winds above 10 knots, when sailed two up. It might also be faster below 10 knots if the team is good, and also light like Matt/Gina.

I think if you are going to rate the (slower in my opinion) Uni the same as the Sloop, then you should be able to add a crew and jib any time you want. The rating says it's the same, so what is the problem?

Other wise, the Uni should have the old (slower) number applied in an Open type qualifier race where the fleet is mixed with A cats, I-20's, F-18's, etc.(non-F16 only fleet). I've raced mine both ways, it is definately faster to have the crew work the spin when the wind can justify the exra wt. of two of us on the boat (usually above 10knts.)

Last edited by Timbo; 08/19/08 02:45 PM.

Blade F16
#777