When I see the Hobie 16 + spi proposed as the next youth or olympic boat I always think back a few years when the youth squads participated in NAM-REM race weekend at my club.

There was big wind and even sunshine and a fleet of some 80 cats racing. Still the several of the H16's with spi remained on the beach. I asked a few youth sailors why they wouldn't sail them. Not a thorough poll but indicative none the less. They replied that hitched rides on real boats like the F18's. They would rather talk their way on orher makes then sail the hobies they were supplied with. One of them also said that a spi on the standard H16 simply doesn't work as it does on the new designs. In short they were not really interested in that combo and that in my eyes is the biggest drawback of the h16 +spi proposal. That and the fact the world wide H16 class really doesn't want a spi anywhere near them. What kind of message does that send into the world of sailing ?

In the end these youths can always choose between the 49-er and ... ... Whatever cat is chosen. Better choose one that they find attractive or we're out for good !

Wouter