All this season, the F18s in Oz have been knocking of the Tornadoes on a regular basis………. However I will not say that the F18 is quicker or even as quick as a Big T.
Sounds like you either had some really special wind conditions, or the T sailors are not up to speed..
In Oz, the F18 class is made up from the best of the best from classes such as Tornado, Taipan 4.9, Taipan 5.7, A Class, Hobie 16, Hobie 18 ect. Like I said, I would not say an F18 is anywhere near the speed of the Big T. If we had sailors of equal skill level on the Ts, they’d be gone.
After racing, Brent and I could not physically pull out T back up the beach. The Cap @15 Kg heavier with a good set of beach wheels, we don’t even raise a sweat.......... Gotta go the big beach wheels.
You wussy, the _big T_ is a bit of a handful to retrieve single-handed, but double handed.. Time to visit the gym and move some bodyweight from the waist area to the shoulders? Will do wonders for your righting moment <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (we are having fun here, right?)
…… <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Like I said, its all about the beach wheels. We had terrible ones on the T as do most on the lighter cats in OZ. Get the big ones and it is a dream to move any boat light or heavy.
Seriously. With the crew weight the F-16 class is optimal for, I don’t see why it should not be able to compete for line honours with the F-18s. The F-16s have a better power to weight ratio, which should equalize the larger rig and longer waterline (which is not really that much of a matter on cats).
Just wait a while longer while the F-16 class grows, and we should get the answer.. (because I am certain the class will grow fast)w
I have no doubts that the F16 may reach the same yardstick one day with a lot more refinement and increased skill level. Not saying the sailors in the F16 class are not good sailors, but the quality of the F18s are second only to the Big T. Also given ideal conditions, the F16 can take advantage of its lighter weight. Throw in more wind and or larger seas and water line length is a huge advantage.
Here in OZ, we race boat for boat and have the edge all over the Taipan 5.7 fleet with spinnakers…………… <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />.
The main point is it is not about the speed of the boat, it is about the quality of racing.
If you and your crew weight less than 150, down to 130…… You will suit the F16, but may not be able to man handle the F18 on and off the water like a crew that is 150 to 170. They are different boats for different markets.
