As an 18 owner and racer, guess I should add my .02.

I have been racing an 18 since 2000 and love the boat. I am on my second one and it is a 97. This is not to say that I do not enjoy racing newer faster boats as I frequently get to do on a Nacra 20 thanks to Zander. Having a "petite" wife/crew the 18 is great for us and she has no interest in a spin boat.

The 18 is a perfect entry level boat and is still capable of holding its own in a mixed fleet. This past weekend ,in 14mph wind, we finished one race in 3rd in a 7 boat fleet beating two A cats, a 570 and a 16. I also have heard many F18 sailors say the Hobie 18 is still their "favorite" boat but had to follow the fleet when everyone started changing boats.

I would like to eventually get a spin boat but it will be when I have different crew and when there are more used ones on the market at a lower cost. Even if I am able to one day get a F18 or F16, I would not get rid of the Hobie 18.

I hope the agreement with Hobie is successful and gets more H18s out sailing and racing.