As far as I know both the A-cat class and the F18's went down this road before us. That and more more experimental boats/classes. Maybe the new Tornado also.

It seems to be the latest trend. I personally like the looks of a straighter leech over my own curved one but Agent orange is pushing it.

But indeed, the large heads seem to be very competitive in teh F18 class. Powers them up in the light stuff and flicks off in the rought stuff.

However, you'll need to do alot of fine-tuning while sailing. I have the second generation mainsail. Meaning entlarge squaretop with respect to the standard Taipan and I notice that in changing winds I must trim, with the mainsheet continiously. It works very well but you have to do it otherwise you're either hooking or throwing away power.

Mind you I'm really beginning to get addited to this lively feel. I wrote I wrote this down a couple of times before. When I switch boats I always have to remind myself to not get frustrated when this other boat doesn't react as my own one.

We'll just have to see where this all ends up. For now there is alot of activity behind the scene with several homebuilders who by definition try out (new) stuff


Wouter