hello Bill-

Bill Gibbs stated the GMSails made a big difference. They are cuben fiber. I plan on ordering a main and jib from GMsails this winter for my FMS 20 #57 and my F25c.

The reason I dream/designed a boat with less power to weight ratio was because where I live the winds blow 15-25 with gusts when they do blow. I thought that with a 20 ft beam [didn't think about racks] and an increase LOA to 38ft [LWL=36'}would be more stable for this area. I dropped the main/jib to 500sqftas well.

I still think about the RC30 and the way it demonstrates the design you created. I am suprised that none of the west coast boats [RC30s] go up against Afterburner in the ghost races they have from time to time. I bet Gibbs a chocolate cake [match race] if I ever get away from here with the ARC22.

Jake- Bill's absolutely right about the 12' beamed cats. I sailed a Tornado for seven years before the rep [tall guy that could pick up the FMS 20 mast] took me for a ride on the 4th of July [BorgvsMcEnroe]. I fell inlove with the design completely. I have an 1980 FMS 20 being refinished by Caldwell now and hope it will be ready to paint by September. Its one of the original boats. Of the three boats I have the 1980 FMS 20 #57 is my favorite because it sails great singlehanded with the main alone. With the jib furled its a light touch speedster. Once i was caught in a blow off a point and the boat accelerated so fast the rigging was deafening. Great boat! If you ever get a chance to sail one be prepared for a major change...

thom