Greetings BLS,

I noticed that you are making moves toward a Hobie 16. May I assume you considering configuring that boat for competition as an F16.

If so, good for you! I have talked extensively with Eric Poulson about this (the West Coast F16 rep) and we BOTH agree that the best way to grow the F16 is to encourage as many people as we can to do exactly what you and I are doing. (ie: building F16's out of existing boats.) And yes, we believe that the H16 like my Nacra would fit the "spirit" of the F16 rules and would welcome you and your boat aboard. And I suspect Wouter would say the same thing.

And while I know next to nothing about details on the H16, let me make a couple of suggestions:

1. Check out the Hobie websites for things to look for on a used H16. Those guys are probably the best source of info since they are really into the boat.

2. If I can be of help or encouragement on any other level, let me know. AND do keep me posted on how your project is going. I live in SoCal by the way so I may have more access to a better selection of H16 parts.

3. Eric and I are talking about trying to have an F16 West Coast championship (maybe in connection with the A Cat guys) in 2005. And to do that we really we're looking at a VERY mixed fleet of boats. And we both agree that's great.

So hang in there, and again, keep me posted.

John Nacra F16 (USA-74)