Hi Sam, so glad you`re back, we`ve missed you. No, really. It makes the forum really interesting when you add your valuable contributions. Maybe a good idea to lurk around the Open Forum, or no, wait, why don`t you start a Hobie 17 Forum where you can slate every other type and make of boat, and anyone interested (ie no-one) can read all about it.
14 of your most recent 25 posts are all anti-Wouter or anti-F16, man, you must have some serious issues to be so passionately involved in something that, wait, hang on, you`re not ACTUALLY involved in !

Here`s a mind-shift for you: If the MEMBERS weren`t happy with the class setup or Wouter`s or anyone else`s contribution or involvement in the class, they would TELL him about it. Wouter doesn`t make decisions without CONSULTING ALL OTHER OWNERS OF F16 BOATS WORLDWIDE for their opinions first - That, in my opinion, is what makes him open to verbal abuse by twisted individuals with nothing better to do. Then, if he doesn`t get consensus on the matter, refers it to the FOUNDER MEMBERS (ie those who CREATED the class) for a decision. Since they CREATED the class, one would think they have a right to decide in what direction it goes. He also asks for the vote of those who are INVOLVED in promoting the class in their respective regions / countries.
Why does Wouter put in all this time and effort ? I would guess it comes from a passion about unifying different but similar designs into a framework similar to F18, one that is not controlled by a few manufacturers but by the sailors.

Why do YOU put in all this time & effort ? This one I gotta hear.

Steve