I don't doubt that for one second! Stephen is a great sailor, and the Blade looks like a fast boat. I was surprised to see the portsmouth rating at 65.2 though for this boat, when the f-16 web site states that the f-16 sailed two up is compatible with the f-18 (62.4 portsmouth). I am curious to see how the blade performs, especially in a stiff breeze. Have the f-16s raced in any long distance races yet? I was just wondering how the light boats do, getting out through big surf?

The ability to sail both single or double handed competitively is attractive to me. However, I enjoy racing the Great Texas and I am looking forward to doing the Tybee.
Plus, with the exception of Stephen, there are no other Blades or f-16s sailors in our area that I know of. The f-18 fleet in California is a good competitive group and was a large factor in my decision to get a Tiger.