If your boat is based in FL there are a bunch of great regattas and distance races here. I only jumped into the F18 class last January and did a bunch of them. Consider Steeplechase in early December, Tradewinds in Jan, Port Charlotte in Feb, Macho Man in March, Miami-Key Largo in April (I think) and Islander Run to Key West in May. In between, there are a load of short course races. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron, where I am based now has 5-6 F18's and is a great club. We'd be happy to see you here.