I was able to get on the boat in the last couple of days. On Wednesday the wind was about 15 to 17. On Thursday the wind was about 10 to 12.

We sailed it against an F18 to see if there was a difference. Each team switched boats a couple of times. All the adjustments were set as close to each other as possible. Everyone agreed that the 2006 has a bit of an advantage on the older design. Seems to be able to get to weather a bit better than the older style. Each gust of wind appeared to push the newer design forward about a foot. Seems as if the bow does not stall as much. That may be all there is to it. Downwind it is a lot looser feeling. There are no bad habits that we could find. I was trapezing on the downwind legs without straps, on 2006, and found it easier than sailing the other boat with straps. It does not halt as much as the other boat when the bows go down. Another thing is that the boat sits higher on the water, very bouyant. It was really nice of the designers to allow me to sail on the boat. I was happy to be there. I love to sail...anything. I have to admit I am pretty darned impressed with this boat. I think it will step up "The Game" a little bit.

Later,
Dan