>>Steve, If you check the SCHRS numbers, you will see that Formula 16 has a one up,0.98 and two up 1.02 handicap number. When Andy raced over here he told us that his number, singlehanded, was 0.99. So that's what he raced on.


But the SCHRS rating is completely off the mark when comparing 1-up and 2-up setups with eachother. From data comparing the Taipan 2-up and 1-up setups we know this to be the case. F16 1-up = significantly slower than 0.98. Texel is off as well although less so. Equality between 2-up and 1-up F16 is what we were after and that is what is about the case on the limited data we have. There is a significant change that 1-up F16 is slightly slower than the 2-up F16, but not by more than 1 or 2%. The difference is smaller than between the Taipan 1-up and 2-up setups as the ration between jib and main is different in the F16. This was done to make both setup equal performant.

In short 0.98 and 0.99 are (way) off as a rating under SCHRS for 1-up 1,01 or 1.02 is far more realistic.


>>I do not believe that the class or builder will change the cat to bring it up to the F16 rating.


Nobody is asking Reg to or even has asked him to do that in the past. Only statements made were invites to race the Spitfire as is against the F16's either on a fun basis or a more serious basis.

If I were the designer I wouldn't consider changing the design. I know it is good as it is; the rest is sailor skills and the nerve to compete in a more open format. The F16 class has the nerve to see a Spitfire win a F16 event, we don't believe that to be bad for the F16 class. I will just show that the F16 sailors need to work some more on their skills. I'm quite sure some of us F16's will get beaten by H16's as well if not to mention by a Prindle 15 with Hans Primowees on baord in one of the future Round Texels. Sailor ability is just such a big(ger) part of the overall result.

Regards,

Wouter