Hi all,
just thought I would pass on my experiences of sailing a non optimised F16 Mosquito.The biggest factor in performance I find is the sailors on the boats and the conditions, in favourable conditions I have been able to beat most other cats on the water so if you are looking at putting a cheap F16 on the water by modifiying a existing cat I would say go for it. By example at a recent reggatta on a lake I have sailed on for all my life with wind gusting from 0 to 30 knots in flat water [everything in my favour] sailing in a mixed fleet including Olympic Tornado,Hobie Tigers,Taipan 4.9 sloop with spinnaker,A class,Taipan 4.9 catrig,Hobie 18, I was able to be first over the line in two races and place in the first three over the line in five of six races held with 20 boats in the division. I did however not finish one race as I capsized while trapezing on a reach with spinnaker up [something I don't recomend to those starting to sail F16 one up.] and the mast filled with water so I had to get rescue boat assistance to right it.I copped alot of stirring about the capsize but if you want to get maximum performance out of your boat you have to live with the consequences and usualy I am able to right the boat and continue.
Get Sailing, Gary.