re... the N17foiler as lifeline for high performance cat racing.

Maybe

I think it depends on what the competitive weight range turns out to be for this design. Does it go up because of the physics of foiling. What is unknown... is the fun factor in light air conditions and fun factor in weed areas.

I also think that SMOD is not the winning economic solution... rather... the F18 class leadership proved that a multiple builder model is a winner.

Could the N17 foiler be a great boat.... sure! lets hope... But I think human nature argues for the F18 model for the next 20 years.