Gday Jules, I've just sailed my new boat last weekend at the Allboats regatta (Lake Cootharaba)and had a great time. I think this comp tip stuff is just in the North America region because of public liabilty hassles due to electocution hazzards. Our masts are definately all alloy, I agree there could be some take up in the rope jib system with gusts. We copped a 35 kt front at the regatta and I'm certain nearly all the slack in the forestay was taken up at times. This may also be just the new rope bedding in for the first time too, I'll check it out further next blow. My jib halyard came as a sprecta type core about 5mm I think, its stows neatly in the tramp pocket. Love the new boat and look forward to doing some more racing. Are you going to the nationals in January ? there should a huge fleet I've heard 80-90 H16s are likely.
Cheers Phil Palmer