I would have to think(and from my own experience) as the wave approaches to form a crest with the two models of cat experiencing the same exact conditions that the 20's longer and heavier bow's would arc it over the back of the wave and make ready for the next set,so I'm not, buying that one Jake. With the emphasis on the point system then should not be broken down even further ie. 5 boats of 15 get offshore Boat A holds the lead and wins,Boat B is 2nd, Boat C has to come ashore with problems and can not continue.D passes C but also breaks down but ahead of C and Boat E gets third.Does D and C get points respectively for at least making an attempt at the leg. Uh Oh, or do you just start handicapping the skipper and crew like golf......
Frankly speaking, the boats weigh the same and the extra 2' is not going to let you bridge between waves in the surf...not the waves we're talking about anyway. The extra bouyancy in the bows serves to pitch the bows up more violently, giving speed stopping drag immediately when the bow hits the wave, and making control significantly more difficult. I've sailed both F18's and N20's through the surf on a regular basis (not so much on the F18 but a fair share). At best, there's no advantage by having a 2' longer boat in the surf. Heck, ask a Hobie 16 sailor whether they would have a Hobie 16 or a Nacra 20 to punch through big surf. I'm not asking you to buy anything - just asking you to believe (or at least respect) that I also have some experience in the matter on both boat platforms.
Out in the open ocean in the rolling waves? Definitely the longer boat with the fat bows has an advantage...but I really don't believe it does in shoulder-high crashing waves at the shore.
(geesh, that political thread has turned me into a son-of-a-bitch).
