In Chuck`s original post :"I have a couple people really interested in the 4.9, and if we could get a group together over here I think it would put them over the top. We could sail F16 or 4.9".
Please could you tell us who weren`t there if the Taipans were sailing with or without spinnakers. I don`t know your handicapping system, so I can`t figure it out for myself. (we use ISAF) I`m assuming none of the guys had spinnakers, judging from the fact that no mention is made of them in any of the posts. This would be a pity, as if we`re trying to get the F16 class known, sailing without spinnakers is a bit like going to a go-kart race & leaving your engine at home. Here in SA we`ve made a concerted effort to arrive at regattas with 5 spinnaker boats, creating awareness of the existence of the F16 class. Sure, we`re not "F16HP", but we base our class on the Performance class 1 category, ie equal to Hobie 16 with spinnaker. Our efforts have made the Hobie 16 guys take notice, they are seriously considering adding kites to try to keep up with us, so our class has growth potential because we are making ourselves visible at regattas. The Taipan may be a great boat & attract a lot of interest, but sailing without kites does nothing to get the F16 class growing. This post is not intended to offend anyone - I would just like to point out that you will only get the F16 class off the ground in ANY country if you arrive in fair numbers as a class (not one-design, but F16). Others will see the growth & want to get involved. No growth, no interest. It`s worth a try. See the attached pic - I`ve got my engine where it belongs. (Besides, once you`ve sailed with a kite there`s no going back !)
