Dave,

That is the "arms" race. I'm not crazy about the upcoming decision. I just bought a new main less than a year ago and now would have to lay out 2 more kilobucks for the STX? If money only grew on trees. The Tiger base platform (hulls/spars) has changed very little since it's original design back in the mid 90's. The sail plan has evolved from a pinhead to a square top. Now a "fatter" square top made of a different material is being proposed. That is a major change. The overall sail area is not changing but there is more horsepower being shifted to the top from the bottom. Does that make the boat more competitive? I don't know. Is the STX material lighter? Shouldn't matter...the boat still has to weigh in at or slightly above minimum.

John B.