Hi Gary,

Yeah just a bit of friendly banter.

Regarding F-18 Fleet numbers. F-18 is a new class in OZ with it's first Nationals held at Forster in 2003 which saw 28 entries. The second Nats was also at Forster 2004 and had 36 entries. The 2005 Nats (25 Entries)was held at Aierly Beach 2 to 3 day drive North of Sydney and 3 to 4 from Melbourne. If it was at Forster, I'd imagine we would have had 40 boats. Everybody knew the fleet size would be down. Next year I believe the Nats will be in Melbourne and you should realy see the F-18s come out. In the last year, quiet a few F-18s have been sold with this comming season looking the same. The F-18 class is the fastest growing cat class in Oz and the World. With regattas more central to fleet locations, you will naturaly see larger numbers at these regattas. Also re Forster this year, firstly there were 7 F-18s and that also was unusualy small for for F-18. Don't forget the F-18 Worlds will be in Oz in 2007. This will help give the fleet a boost in numbers as will post Worlds when there are cheaper ex charter boats for sale.

I guess you have to race in these pro classes before you truly realise the level of competition that is in them. And I am not talking about just those at the pointy end. Many Oz sailors just cannot comprehend the level of these fleets as they have had very little or no real exposure to them. And before anybody says it.... I have competeted in other Oz classes too.

Anyway this rant could go on forever so I'll see you in the next thread.