I think the A Class fragility myth is due to the class' rules regarding no minimum weight years ago..... Cannot remember when the introduced min weight.

Since the introduction of min weight, the A Class has moved on to become one of the finest constructed boats in the world. Gone are the days off one regatta A Class'.

We have quiet a few A Class cats in our club which include Mark IV and V Boyers and Flyers. We have past and present A Class greats in our class such as Steve Brewin, Bruce McArthur and veteran John Goodier. We also regularly see the likes of Glenn Ashbey, Scott Anderson, Dave Brewer and Brad Collett.

These guys put their boats through conditions that send other boats back to shore and have keeped Tornados on their toes.

I have also seen A Class race on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Australia. This place is notorious for its large steep chop and strong wind.

I think the issue with their sea worthiness in waves as with all boats is the nut on the tiller and his skills steering over and down the waves.

These boats do not deserve the title fragile as the platforms are very stiff and reliable...... more so than many other classes.

As for the speed argument between the I17R, FX-1, F-16. I have never seen and FX-1 or I17R in OZ but I am sure all the owners love their boat and consider them quiet quick.

If for example you have a fleet of FX-1s in your club and have great racing.... would you realy care if an I17R is quicker????

What else are you going to do with the extra minute or so less spent on the race course........ Oh thats right get to the bar........ I'll just jump on my Tornado now and see you there