Sam-

I totally agree with all your points about the Taipan 4.9 (and in fact his comment about getting a 300 lb. I20 is already possible to some extent in the Taipan 5.7 which we raced in the Worrell in 1999- the first of the "new, lightweight boats" to do so). Not to argue with you but you have overlooked the fact there is one (currently) boat that was designed exactly to the F 16HP rules as now in effect and that is the Stealth F 16HP. True, it is a development of the original Stealth 16 via a "Stealth R" prototype, but it is significantly different from the original Stealth and built to the F 16HP rule. According to the builder they are selling (and sailing) quite well in the UK this season (just introduced at the recent London boat show this Spring). By the way, do you still have your 18 sq.? Someone contacted me looking for one in TX if you're interested-



Regards,

Kirt