Where did that information come from? I have righted my 396lb F18 with a much taller mast solo using nothing but a righting line. I weighed 175lbs at the time. Even if so, there are plenty of things you can use to gain enough mechanical advantage to right the boat solo.

I think that if there was racing around you on Hobie Waves that it would be a terrific starter boat to learn the basic rules and tactics (and advanced tactics) of racing. It is really a pure form of racing. However, I know you a little bit and know your local and there really isn't any activity on Hobie Waves - that and I think you really would like the whole trapezing thing. There are some active H16 sailors around ... or at worst some that used to be active H16 sailors - there should be plenty of advice abound. I think the used H16 would provide a lot of options.

I started on an old beatup Nacra 5.2 that was a great boat to learn on but there were not many around to race against. With racing as my focus, I didn't learn very quickly because of the limited exposure to similar boats. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have started with a Hobie 16 or Hobie 18 because they are relatively simple and there are a good number of them around locally.



Thanks Pat! it certainly wasn't all me - F18 has made both David Mosley and myself much better sailors. David was working the main like a mad man when it was blowing on Saturday and our coordination between helm and sail trim is getting pretty good.