As a new F16 member, I'd like to weigh in here....

I'd been out of sailing for 14 years (previously a H-17 skipper). When getting back in, I researched various boats and found my way to the F16 class.

What I particular liked were (in no order):

* Sail sloop (2-up) or cat (1-up)

* Rig solo if necessary

* F16 forum and catsailor.com open forum

* reasonable F16 fleet locally (ie FL) to race

* Local fleet (SCCA - Fleet 45) for day events

* Regatta's around the state

* US manufacturer (VectorWorks Sail)



What I didn't expect:

* unbelievable global neighborhood of cat' sailors ready to spend precious time helping with getting things right.

* network of peers who will open their doors to you if you find your self on their side of the planet

* competitors who will beat you on Saturday, yet instruct you on Saturday night (over beers), so you can improve on Sunday.

* passion around a sport whether you're a racer or day sailor.

* instant friends who share the passion of sailing and competing.

* How challenging it is to sail a spi' boat single handed; yet exhilerating--it's you against the best of the sloops!


The origin of this thread was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek humor about Blade problems .... I wouldn't trade my Blade (or experiences in the last 4 months) for any other sailing platform out there. I'm looking forward to improving my skills and kickin' Matt & Chuck's butt (no offense to Robi, Pete, Seth and other F16 members in FL .... but I'm aiming for the top in FL!!).