I went to the Club to see the boat. It is pretty, as you would expect any new boat to be.

Impressions:

Is it designed for us older guys? It has a spash rail so we do not get too much water in our face, presumably to make sure we can still see out of our sunglasses. There is also some rubber on the deck where you sit or stand. Is that to make it a bit easier on the tush? Do not get me wrong, I like it!

Bow looks very much like a Capricorn but gets flatter on the bottom a bit quicker. For planing?

In the pictures I studied I thought the back was fatter and harder chined than the Cap. It is actually about the same width. The chines are a bit sharper but not too much.

Trampoline is set up very similar to the newer Tigers. I actually like the floating trampoline they put on them. Many have argued against it I know, but I like it. Crossbars I believe are the same as the Tigers which is good as they are big for more stiffness.

The mast is very different. Very like the Capricorn and Infusion Wing sections.

Daggerboards are very narrow. I only saw the well in the hull for them and could not believe it was for a Formula 18. They really look about the size the A-Cats (A3) are using these days. With a F18 Class limitation on the depth they will be way less square footage (or inch/MM) keeping you from going sideways if you are stopped. On the other hand imagine how much less drag when up to speed!

I will see the boat completely rigged sometime this weekend and will try to report more on my findings. Hopefully I will find some time to sail against them while the new owners are on their new toys. I like new toys, even if they are not mine. Unfortunately I have a tradeshow, in Long Beach, this weekend and will only get out late.

I heard that there is one red and one smoke sail staying in CA. More boats, more people sailing, more interest in the class because of it? All good.

Later,
Dan