Hi All,

Just curious how many T4.9/F16HP sailors are concerned about having a place to advertise the occasions on which they beat larger, heavier boats on elapsed time? It's no longer news that when you shed a bunch of weight, a shorter (and well designed – thanks Goodall, Boyer and the other designers) boat can beat some longer, heavier boats. Why the concern about exactly which boats we can and cannot beat consistently on elapsed time? We have rating systems that give us a pretty good idea of where we stand relative to other boats speed-wise.

I just think too much effort is spent debating boat speed, and the other benefits of the F16HP compliant designs don't get enough press. These boats won't sell on speed alone. They are quick for 16 footers, but they aren't the fastest boats on the water. Speed was only one of many factors when my wife and I decided to purchase our T4.9 – the boat just had to be "fast enough to be fun." It is just that and then some, for us. Flexibility (sails well one or two-up), easy to right, easy to manage on the beach, wonderful handling, de-powers well, etc. are the features that won us over. What features attracted you?

I'm sure that the D-G cup was created in fun and with the best of intentions, but I don't see it benefiting the class. The focus on the "we're smaller but faster" idea seems to offend more people than it impresses.

Respectfully,
Kenn Newbury
T4.9 USA226