Sorry, didn`t mean to start a bunfight - I`m still curious as to the fate of the David & Goliath Cup, & why it hasn`t really taken off.
Nacracando - I don`t really believe it`s sensible to compare a F18 to a Taipan sailed without a spinnaker - In a recent regatta a Hobie Tiger broke a spinnaker pole, Hobie 16`s went past them downwind. For whatever reason Jim sailed the Taipan without spinnaker, it was his choice, so don`t compare his performance to the F18 in that case (would be interesting to see the time difference though, I bet it wasn`t that much.), we sail past non-spinn. boats downwind & choose which side to pass, you can`t compare the two.
You may have some valid points - I`ve seen very little reference to actual sailing news on this forum lately (now I`m going to get flamed !), for whatever reasons they have given it would still be nice if the members gave feedback on their most recent regattas they attended, whether it be on their own or as a class. It would help keep those of us who are remote a little more motivated to build on what we have if we could see some activity in the class.
I know it`s early days still, but let`s try to grow this thing ! (and not give eachother reasons to get high blood pressure.)

Cheers
Steve