the IHCA classes include

Dragoon (ever raced in US?)
Wave (sparse HCANA racing)
14/14T (count as two, if you will)
16
17
FX-ONE (sparse)
18/18M/18SX/18Formula (18M/18SX sparse, F never)
Tiger
20
21
FOX (very sparse, there were what? five US boats?)

OK, so that's a total of 15 classes, (Dragoon & 18F are definite throw outs) but I'd count the number as six, those actually established as a class. And when exactly is this "peak"? 14 went out of production in what '94?...15 years ago.

All this being history, hopefully we're learning and moving forward? Even though I hope the order for ten sets of 18 hulls becomes a reality, truth is, the Hobie 16 is the US mainstay left standing.

Another couple of boats are needed to compliment the H16. Tiger/Wildcat/F18 and Wave are the only current (and strong) directions for the future. I'm excited to see focus in this direction (however painful) and actual steps being taken. I'll echo what everyone here doesn't want, when all us old farts here get too old to "get it up", that cat racing in the US doesn't just...fade away.

I'll also echo rhodysail, brucat and others sentiments that this F18 proposal will be massaged and re-submitted (and again if necessary) so there is a direction for the future. Can't leave just Karl and three other guys out there, that would be wrong. I'll trust cool heads will prevail.