Thanks for that info, it is too bad the F18's are so heavy but how do they change that without making all the current F18's obsolete
Easy
You lower the weight over time, in a published and predictable manner. And open up the allowable materials.
As the weight is lowered, people get new boats and the heavy boat owners try to lighten up the last generation boats with new components. Lightening up a F18 would require a loosening of the rules, allow carbon masts, or other lighter components.
A competitive team is going to cycle a new boat every 3-5 years anyway, so why stay locked into a weight range? You could lower it over time and really not hurt the F18 racers.
In order to stay current F18 really should consider a 10 year weight reduction program
