Here are some answers to some of the questions on this post:

1. Wouter - The Australian Applied Composite, Saarberg, and Anderson masts look identical in terms of section and in most cases the way they are rigged but in terms of bend charecteristics, they are different. They are all produced by separate companies.

2. Dan/Jake - The A2 hulls, foils, and beams are built by Melvin and Morelli. The masts supplied with a complete package are by Hall Spars. Performance Catamaran is assembling the components and marketing the boat through its dealer network. I believe the success of the boat will be based upon how well PC assembles the boat and the final cost of the package. I've heard rumor of a substantial markup since the first price that was advertised last year but have not confirmed it yet. The dollar is getting strong again and this makes it attractive to still purchase the Boyer product if you get a group purchase together.

A2 Performance - I believe the boat is at least the equal to the current generation of Flyers, Auscats, and Bims. It is definetly a stiffer platform that looks very well made. The fact that an Egner Flyer, Auscat Flyer, Auscat Mk. V, and Bim XJ also won races at this event indicate that these boats are also still very competitive.

2005 NA's - The location of the 2005 NA's at Cascade Locks near Portland is where our newest A-Cat fleet regularly sails. They claim the conditions in August when we anticipate the event will be held are typically 15-18 knots of wind which should be fantastic sailing.

On the heavy air at this event - We had three mast failures at this event. Two were caused by violent capsizes and one was a tang failure that was repaired on the beach. Race 1 was held in 15-19 knots of wind with some gusts in the low 20's. Race 2 was in the same but there were a couple of gust waves that were even higher. Race 3 was the windiest of the series. 12 boats finished that race and the rest of the fleet either retired or did not start. Pete Melvin finished 4th in this race and told me he was just trying to get his boat around the course without incident. This race was probably above our wind maximum. Races 4-7 were in 12-20 knots of wind and were quite manageable. Races 8-11 were a welcome break at 6-12 knots, perfect A-boatin!

Bob Hodges
USA 147