Well, in the past 5 years we have seen 4 different official importers for AHPC products in the USA and the F16 class tried to work with all of them. Experiences were far from stellar in any respect and that is as far as I allow myself to go.

This has always been a problem for us in the USA, some even arranged the import of their own boats. Finally we were succesful at establishing a local F16 builder and that solved our US problems.

Still, it is a real pitty that the US Taipan sales were noticeably hampered by these events of the past. The boat deserved alot better. Crews in awe about the capricorn rig should note that the little Taipan already featured this rig as far as 18 years ago ! It is therefor my deepest wish that Jill and Robbie do not overlook the 16 foot line in favour of the more flashy A-cats and now Capricorn F18's.

20 Blade F16's sold in the first year of local production says a thing or two about the potential in the 16 foot segment. With the right promotion it won't underdo for the A-cat and F18 sales.


Wouter