Hi guys, When I wrote the following :
"We`ve adopted the spinnaker as standard, unlike the Taipan class - we had 100% "yes" vote from our class members on this issue." I never meant to make comparison between the 2 classes & the way they do things or offend anyone with regard to that.
The Mosquito class in Australia has not included the spinnaker as standard equipment yet, only the South African Mosquito Class has done so, for reasons which Wouter highlights quite nicely. 5 years ago the class was in major decline, and here we only have H16 & Dart 18 to lose sailors to. By building our boats down to min. weight, new rig design & adding the spinnaker we are growing the class again, with a lot of outside interest.
I believe the Australian Mosquito Class is also in decline, they would do well to follow our example. What we`ve found is that even those who do not want spinnakers have voted for their inclusion, as they see the growth potential for the class.
The Taipan class in Australia is in a very different circumstance : I believe they have some 200 members (correct me if I`m wrong), so getting their class rules amended to include spinnakers would be far more difficult, and may not benefit the class. They may be better off sailing standard, except for open or designated F16 regattas. The danger Wouter highlights is that 5 years from now they may re-evaluate their position, if they face a decline in members to more exciting boats, but this may or may never happen. I think the Taipan is as much boat as most can handle - hat off the Jim Boyer & Greg Goodall. You can`t improve much on the design.
"The F16 is great for distance racing or if you sail predominantly in light winds or have a good crew who has the strength and willingness to sail with a Spi then it is perfect" In my experience we have had more success in course racing with the spinnaker than in long-distance racing, sometimes in a long race you have a long shy reach, and can`t fly the spinnaker, but you`re sailing with it`s handicap - very frustrating. This happened in the last 2 distance races we`ve done. Course racing - round a-mark, up spinnaker & you`re gone.
In response to the spinnakered mozzies beating Taipans, they are just excited about the fact that they could do so, a spinnakered Taipan would blow most boats away, if you can hold it down. That`s where the Mozzie has the advantage - we have LESS sail area than you guys, and put the kite up until about 20 knots. What I`ve found is the boat gybes safer with the kite in strong wind than without.

Cheers
Steve