The superwing mast section was designed and first extruded back in 1987 (yes over 20 years ago). And it was inpired by the alu wing masts that were introduced to the A-cats by Lalo Petrucci somewhere during the 80's. This superwing was fitted to the Taipan 4.9 which was launched in 1988.

The Taipan 5.7 followed later with a new larger section and the Capricorn mast was initially based on this Taipan 5.7 mast. Later (but before full launch) the capricorn mast was redesigned but it shared the main features of the Taipan 4.9 and 5.7 masts. The Capricorn initiated the introduction of wingmasts into the F18 class and the Nacra Infusion mast followed several years later. Again, it was redesigned but using the same key features nevertheless.

So basically the Superwing mast as used by the F16's was the first use of a wingmast outside of the A-cat class and it spawned a trend that is expanding to this day with the latest iterations being the Capricorn masts and the Infusion masts.

The A-cats are still using the wing mast design but are using carbon cloth to build them. Different material, but sharing the same basic features. And these features are significantly different from any mast Hobie cat has been using over the years with the exception of the new iCat mast, that is almost certainly a carbon wingmast much like the A's.

That is what I was trying to hint at in only a few sentences. And I tried to imply that the iCat will also be an improved design with the aluminium superwing mast at 2500 Euro less cost per boat. But of course it needs to adhere to F16 specs before Hobie can invoke the class deal for them.

Wouter