I reckon going wild is heaps more fun on a Taipan 4.9, especially when you have a crew. You are more involved in keeping the boat going quick rather than being dragged along by the kite. I still like putting up the kite up occasionally, but find it boring at times as skipper. Not much to do except steer.

Personally I don't think that in the club racing that I do the kite on the 4.9 is that much quicker. The courses are fairly short (40 minutes total). Longer courses definately favour the kite. Last weekend matched for speed a Capricorn downwind in 8-10 knots whilst going wild.

1-up may be a different matter with the Taipan 4.9 as you don't have the jib to help you fly a hull. The kite is definately a bonus here.

JC