Steve-



Having spoke to a few builders as wel;l I have found the bottom line is feasibility? Can you make it and can you sell it? I remember when the Tornado guys voted down the changes that are in place today on the new boat. I said to several who said the decision was cast in stone that if you show them how much fun it is they will change their minds. In some ways this 22 concept sounds great but learn from the C Class experience. Several boats were made but few were actually made twice that I am aware of. All new concepts are doomed to fail if there isn't a yardstick to measure against. I am old enough to rmemeber the Delorean that was going to run the Corvette out of existence. Which one is here now? I have serious concerns about a 22 class being formed and progressing if you have to wait on these boats to be built, tested, and priced out less than a house. I'm serious about that price. Having sailed a 22 you are aware of the power that sail plan develops. Imagine building a prototype and the mast pushes the main beam through the hull or rips out the side tangs or forestay. Some things can not be tested in a computer. You may know this already but in case you aren't aware the 22 is an extension of the SC20 outside but inside it has 23 years approximately of R&D development behind it.



I spoke to a builder wannabe last year that measured my 20 and wanted to try to make a similar copy in graphite. he did start the project but gave up at Christmas. After spending in excess of $10k. The man was not prepared to start that project much less complete it. Thats the problem with builders they start a project realize specifics that they didn't anticipate and either run out of money or talent to solve the problem. Just because Roberts/Haberman or Boyer or Alter can do it doens't mean that somone else can because they have a computer. Basically I feel it requires alot of good luck to make these projects go to completion.



I remember when when the Hot Rod association was formed. Innovation to the stock cars started that sport. They had classes...apples vs apples or 51 Fords vs 51 Fords. No one had they money to design and make their own cars but they could modify their family cars to race on Sundays. Thats how I see the Formula 22 circuit evolving. Take whats there and race. If and when something new does come; drop it into the grease and see if it competes.



Also one other point; there aren't that many 22s around. I have only seen four besides mine. If there is going to be competition it had better be in the middle of the country so that all boats can get there in 2 days. I just came back from the Corsair nationals and some of those people came from the northwest to FWB. Cats don't have to be sailed in the ocean to show their abilities.



thom