The only F18 I sailed (once) was a Tiger and I found it great fun to sail with loads of power on tap. However, it's very much a 2 up boat that has to be sailed with a deal of respect for the power available (especially in the higher beauforts).
I also sailed Ts for a long time (more years than I care to remember
) and it was a tremendously forgiving and rewarding boat to sail, but when trying to get that last 'nth' of speed out of it, she could turn round and bite!
Having said all that, the boat that I chose for my return to cat racing is an F16 - light, responsive, rewarding, power when you want it but docile when you don't. I can sail one up in a force5 or 2 up in a F4. When 2 up I can sail with my 19 yr old son (6ft and 170lbs), my 5ft wife, or my 4ft 4in 12 year old son. It's versatile, fun and FAST.
Yes, in gusty conditions, quick reactions can be needed if 'pushing the envelope', but if it gets too much - a bit more downhaul, alter the mast rotation and you've got a pussycat instead of a puppy!
Hey Mark, congrats on ordering a Blade, when's it due?
