Prediction of the extinction of the taipan in Oz is somewhat exaggerated. One just has to look at the recent national title entries: T4.9 (cat + sloop)= 43 boats; Mosquito (cat +sloop)=29. The taipan had the second biggest entry of all cat classes after the A class (48 entries).

Wouter seems to be giving the impression that there are viable fleets of Mosquitos sailing in F16 mode all over the country. That is far from the truth. Adelaide still has a reaonable mosquito fleet but not one with a kite. There maybe half a dozen Mosquito F16 enthusiasts sailing out of various clubs in Victoria, that's about it.

Wouter is also confusing healthy debate within the taipan class with "bickering", particularly when the majority viewpoint does not agree with Wouter's opinions freely given from afar.

Trust your daughter's love of the taipan. I had 8 great years racing with my son on one without a kite. Sure a kite is a challenge and maybe even addictive, but not essential to having fun and still being competitive. This is apparent when viewing the results of the top taipans against F18s and A class in mixed fleet racing.

Phil