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I wonder if the hooter would be a better sail for Uni sailors?

Only proof could be found on the water. Mid girth rule prevents its usage in competion at the moment.
I guess that a hooter has slightly, but not much more aerodynamic drag than a conventional spi mid pole snuffer system. It has certainly no 'hydronamic' drag as a snuffer in rough waters. I guess that it is slightly less efficient. Its handling is much better. It has more top weight, but I didn't feel a difference in sea-going with or without it.
Many pro and cons.... differences are not so big at the end of the day.
But one thing which is unpayable is the fun factor:
Imagine it is a strong wind day. You spend 10 or 15 minutes on the beach just deciding if you go out or not. Once out would you hoist the spi on such a day? Since you can furl the hooter from the rear-beam you can always try it without big troubles. So you have more strong wind sailing with a hooter (=fun) than with a spi because the psychological barrier is lower.

Cheers again,

Klaus