It is actually not in danger of falling behind, it has actually fallen behind already and the gap widens slowly but surely. This is partly the reason AHPC is currently designing its replacement. The Capricorn F16.
The T4.9 is not and never has been an F16. The reason why Greg is not persuing it is because the 4.9 class is alive and well in OZ and it is not the manufacture, but the class members who have a say in its future.
If they wanted to introduce a new main sail, AHPC would be more than happy to develop one.
If you did want to optmise the Taipan 4.9 as an F16, you would increase the beam, add a carbon mast, self tacking jib, more modern main sail, snuffer and spinnaker. To do this you will change the entire boat with the exception of the foils and hulls.
And if you did do this, I think you will find it will give no ground to a Blade or a Stealth.
Greg will plan to develop a new F16 based on the Capricorn so as not to do damage to the existing T4.9 fleet.
