Picture this : both boards (low AR and high AR) having the same area as this is determined mainly by the size of the rig and the expect speed range of the boat, THEN a taller board will have a larger leverage over the shorter board. Ergo the boat will try to capsize over its leeward daggerboard sooner.






My guess is that it will be replaced by the AHPC designed and build Viper F16.

Not much will be changing internationally as the Taipan 4.9 OD class had already grown unmarketable. Hence the Taipan F16 version. However producing this version was too costly compared to the other F16 designs available. In the EU the imported Blade F16 was priced 2000 Euro's cheaper then the Taipan F16. In the US the difference was even bigger because no international shipping costs were added to the Blade then. This inbalance will be restorted with the much cheaper Viper F16.

I do think that this announcement will be shock to some Australian Taipan sailors. Sure enough parts will remain available for the Taipan design and AHPC will continue to support it. Alot of components are the same as on the Viper F16 anyway. But still, the Taipan mould is not at any active builder right now and this makes it hard to imagine that more NEW boats will be build. Add to this that new Viper F16 is quoted to Australian customers at 3000 Aus$ less then the Taipan 4.9 and you'll see why I don't fancy the Taipan 4.9 chances over its Viper F16 replacement.

The Taipan F16 was and still is a good boat and it will be with us for quite a few more years, I'll still be sailing it myself for much longer, but in its future is now only retirement.

Wouter