Hi there F16ers,
interesting to hear your views on the kite downwind. Similar to 'sailwave', I'm interested in a one-up boat to supplement my H16 racing when crews not around. Obvious choices are A cat or Taipan 4.9 or F16.

My only kite experience is on a T5.7 in 15-18kts (perfect), the boat was so smooth and fast but actually it felt slow. My H16 feels faster downwind though I know its nowhere near it. Maybe the perception of speed with spray going everywhere is a little distortionate!

So my question is, Why do you guys feel spi is the only way to go downwind? Describe the difference? Surely going wild on an A would be as good a feeling as spi sailing and both should be better than sailing flat on a hobie!

Cheers Phil