James,



Indeed, I sailed the FX-one solo with its 17 sq. mtr. kite and I wouldn't want to go (alot) bigger. My current P18 kite is also 17 sq.mtr and when fitted to the Taipan felt okay. It also looked nice and proportional to the boat. The 21 sq. mtr. kite looks to big in my opinion.



As a side note, all modern cats with spi have converted to high aspect spis and the aspect ratio of the 17,5 sq.mtr. spi on the given gateheight (F16 rules) has the same aspect ratio as our main competitor the F18 boats.



The main reason that the 17.5 is in the rules is because that size has big merits for double handed sailing ; on of them is ease of handling with mixed crews or youths. Another is ofocurse the equality to the F18's. Without this rule in both modes crews will fear a big kite attack even when the likelihood of the merit of such an approach is questionable. Going smaller is never perceived as an unfair advantage therefor this rule is a convidence builder which is very important to the class. A perceived inequality is just a bad a real inequality.



Anxious to hear more about your experiences.



Wouter