We have replaced the two club-owned Hobie 16s with Nacra 500s at a community sailing club here in Toronto. They are great boats--fast and forgiving--for introducing people to catamaran sailing. Ours are in "Fun" trim, so no spinnakers, but they are slightly faster than Hobie 16s despite having only 190 sq ft of sail area.

In any case, our club members, who are mostly mono-hull dingy sailors, are far more interested in catamaran sailing now that we have the Nacra 500s instead of Hobie 16s. Aside from benefiting from a more current design and efficient hull shape, the biggest advantage is the lighter mast and the fact that the boat can be righted by one medium-sized person or two small people.

As for it working as an F16, it would not be competitive with Falcons, Blades and Vipers.

As for Nacra making an F16, I think it would be great, but since it would compete directly with their 17, I would be surprised if they went that way.

Ed
F18 Infusion 595
Toronto