hi jeff, for what it is worth, i've sailed/owned tigers and nacra f18's and infusion but when i took delivery of my capricorn it struck me how well it was built. definitely a class of it's own in mainstream f18 manufacturers. the buildquality made for a very stiff boat which, for me, made a big change in light winds. it is simple quicker than the others in light winds. and i agree that in strong winds with the kite up you have to be a bit more careful, but if you are it is as quick as the other cats. upwind i found it mostly quicker than the other f18's. i've not sailed against the shockwave nor wild cat though.