>>I am Chip Zenke of East Coast Sports, Taipan 4.9 importer and authorized Performance Catamaran Dealer.

So it is official now. Great.

Then let me also take this opportunity to welcome Chip and thank him for his efforts in the class thus far.

From early on Chip has really put some energy into showing the potential of teh Taipan 4.9 design and its potential with a spi under the Formula 16 rules.

The creation of such an involved importer, dealer adn promotor is very welcome and will strenghten the 16 foot scene in the USA alot in my opinion.

I'm looking forward to a fruitful future cooperation.

>>We keep a Taipan 4.9 fully rigged and ready to sail at Podickory Yacht Club in Annapolis, MD for anyone who wants a free test ride!

I thank Michael, Mike C. and Chuck for handling this aspect in the absense of a committed AHPC representative. But of course the fact that the official representative is offering this is a great development.

Note, that everybody who has tried a F16 and compared to it alternatives (other 16 and 17 footer) finally decided to go with one of the F16's. This test ride business is one of the best selling points as it clearly demonstrates the potential of the platforms.

I hoping the provide this service with my own boat in a few weeks over here in NL. Till now Geert has been kind enough to show his boat to interested parties. It is a very important service.


>>Looks like we have another used one on its way soon. We have also been in contact with AHPC about another shipment of new Taipan 4.9’s into the USA. We are also very Pro F-16!!!

And that is music to my ears. The base foundations platforms like the Taipan and Stealth were good fast boats but halve of the story is class organisation. And of course the trend in both EU and USA that a beach catamaran should be fitted with a spi or be regarded as less desirable. The two tier appraoch of creating a formula class next to individual one-design classes makes perfect sense and allows to best use of a platform and its flexibility. An example of this was of course the JPOR regatta. The sailor could agree upon uni-rig without spi and that increased both participation and enjoyment. The next time they can well agree on sailing with a sloop + spi and have fun in that configuration. Like others as John Pierce, Kirt and even Phill, I noticed that it is exactly this flexibility combined with allowances for modifications that attract new sailors to this concept. Even I choose to go with this concept because of it flexibility to adjust the sailplan to the conditions and crew make-up. I find that this conviction has taken a hold with sailors and builders alike. And it will be this realisation and determination to make this concept of inclusiveness work that will make the classes (both one-design and formula) grow.

Welcome Chip.

Regards,

Wouter