And survive I did, I was comfortably tacking and sailing, sailing faster than the others who’s skipper and crew far exceeded my 150 pounds, and their boats far exceeded mine at 240 pounds. I don’t know about the rest of the F16s but my Blade can take it and sail aggressively all the while.
I think we have found a nice summary of why the newer designs like the A's, F18's and F16's are becoming popular at the expense of golden oldies. Sailing technology has really advanced over the last 3 decades and it is just not as nice sailing a 1976 TheMightyHobie18 as it is to sail a 2006 F16 !
The golden oldies had their day but it is going (or is already gone). Sailing a new Nacra 500 and comparing it to a H16 (old or new) will result in a similar conclusion. The sail design is just so much better on the newer boats; expanding the range of comfortable sailing significantly.
Good report thanks Will !
Wouter
