"It actually happened to one unlucky Hobie 18. The front did fall off."

I've seen that happen too (the front just fell off an TheMightyHobie18). Not pretty. Cats look very weird with only one hull above the water.

I've also seen TWO H17s lose everything from the crossbar-forward, but those were after collisions (separate regattas).

BTW, Ding, how could you possibly let Todd beat you (again)???

Mike