When I was cat shopping I exchanged some emails with the designer (Reg White?) and builders. By all reports, great designs and great boats. Also, in the UK there seems to be a lot of very good sailors on the Spitfire--just check the Texel results from last year. Like some of the other 16 foot spinnaker cats, the Spitfires are supposed to be giant killers. Dermot from Ireland frequents this forum and is the Irish dealer for Spitfires--perhaps he can chime in.