Hi folks,
First, let me say I'm so new to the class(s) having just bought a Taipan 4.9 so my opinion is based on my limited common sense, not experience. Having qualified it, here it is:
The term genoa and spin combine to form Wouter's term for the sail.
The hooter seems to be a combination of the two, also.
The object of both sails are to increase performance downwind, are they not?
Why not limit the sail area for both sails and let the competition decide? Who's hurt? If you prefer the spin, fine. If its the hooter, great. Run whut you brung and to use a phrase from my highschool street racing days: Lets check'em out.
Personally, the specter of trying to launch/retreive a spin is so daunting that I can't forsee trying the F16 class. A hooter, on the other hand isn't so scarry to this novice.
The more sailors attracted to a class for whatever reasons is better for everyone.
The class has seemingly (on this forum anyway) jumped through their rear ends to accomodate WF and his agendas with a boat that appears at this point to be vapor ware.
Why not allow a different design of downwind competition, too.
Ok, too much already. Sorry
Thats my already qualified opinion.