An A Class is a lot quicker than an F16 or F18 upwind. They sail about the same speed as a T with more height. The A does have the extra waterline length and the design is all about low weight, low drag and low displacement. Everything from the rig to the hulls are optimised for this. Don’t forget that most F16 uni's are a compromise between sloop and uni hull design. 2 feet shorter, 32 kg heavier and a shorter rig.

As for downwind, the new A's are now keeping up and even beating F18s downwind. It is not just the curved boards, but the stiff hulls, flexible (fore and aft) masts and incredibly powerful mains that are allowing these boats to trap downwind. Whilst you are setting your kite, they are shooting of in the sunset trapping downwind, not that you will be anywhere near them when they turn around the top mark.