Wouter: regarding the life span of a competitive F18.

No offence or 'talking down' the F-18's intended !

Within the Tornado class the Marstrøms are the benchmark, and they have a competitive life of 10 years or more. They dont break easily (like the earlier Tornadoes). I just dont know how the F18's from diverse manufacturers hold up over time. I spoke of Marstrøm buildt Tornadoes. If we were to compare any F-18 boat to a Marstrøm Tornado, I dont think the Tornado would come disfavorable out of the test.

I dont know how to argue for another cat class, while simultanously argueing for fewer keelboats. I believe that the IOC will limit the sailing event to just skiffs in the near future, 29'er and 49'er. I base this on the fact that sailing has not become a major 'TV sport' yet. While golf and other 'new' olympic sports has. At the same time, sailing is one of most demanding events to stage for a host nation. The IOC will probably prefer sports that attracts viewers in front of the TV sets in the future.


Your point about the Tornado class being kind of a 'Formula light' class is a valid camparison. Lots of restrictions on the materials used, hull forms and foil shapes tough. We are voting about allowing a carbon mast this year..

Wouter: In your opinion, why should the IOC keep the Tornado and not simply replace it with the F-18's ?

I have to agree with Carl Bohannon on point 1,2 and partly on point 3. But since Norway walked away with silver in 'curling' during the last winter olympics I can not agree with his last point

Also, it is some good reading about just this at:

http://www.sailing.org/Article_Content.asp?ArticleID=2069

Where both Wouter and Carl expresses their views..


Rolf