I am quite surprised that the Bimare factory has chosen to fit the Javelin 16 with a Hooter-like sail. I understand that the class will also allow assemetric spinnakers of 17.5 meters, so this Hooter sail could offer another good option to the future class members. Only time will tell if this is a wise decision. I favor the option, but would probably stick with a spinnaker with a launcher.

A couple of observation and questions-

1-Aren't the loads much higher for the Hooter? Will the hulls need to be made heavier to match these higher loads or are they stong enough as currently built.

2-In what conditions would the Hooter sail have an advantage over the spin. Wouldn't the drag of the rolled up Hooter harm upwind performance? I suppose that in light upwind-close reaching conditions that this sail would work very well. Any comment?

3-Is Wouter upset because he sees this new boat class as a major competitor for his struggling F-16HP class? After all, the F-16 class only managed 3-4 boats at their last North Americans. Heck, Oliver will probably bring in a container load of javwelin 16s and then there will be more Javelin 16s than F-16HPs in the USA. That would be a stick in Wouter's eye. If Wouter were smart he would welcome the Jav 16s into his class, if they agreed to sail with spinnakers only.

4-When can we get one of these babies?

I would love to hear comments by others-Wouter is too predictable and obviously prejudice.

49er