There have always been some Hobie 16s in Ireland since the 1970s, but we had better cats here, the Condor in the early years and later the Dart 18 and Hurricane 5.9.( I was even Hobie Agent for a few years, but never sold one) As Simon said, thing are the same in the UK - there were better cats available. But, once the Hobie 16 was designated "Youth Cat", sales picked up, suddenly there was a Hobie 16 fleet - almost all youth sailors. It is good that there is a youth fleet, but they did not choose the cat they sail. I believe that cats will be bought for youth sailors who want to attend the Youth Worlds and other youth events - there are families with the money.
Also it seems that ISAF are moving very fast. It is unusual that they would make an announcement so far before the November meeting, when the decision will be finalised. I know that already there are meetings with the prospective builders and distributors. ISAF have been pressured for years to choose a suitable Youth Cat and now that they have, I believe that things will move very fast.
Dermot