Glad to hear you want to come over to the dark side!!! Based on your size (and since you are talking about racing), I would lean more towards an I20. This also depends a bit on who you think you'll be racing with most of the time. F18's competetive weight is around 330 total. I20's can take considerably more weight. I weigh 210 and usually sail with my wife. even she and I combined are too heavy for an F18, and it gets worse when i have my buddies crew (then i'm pushing 400 total). Definitely best to give Trey a call. He can give you a good idea of what else is in the area. It would be even better if you could get out on one of each as well (and Trey might be able to hook you up with a ride). Good Luck!!