From a personal point of view I wouldn't want the true benefits of the F16 class (light weight, versatility of crewing, freedom of equipment choice and layout, freedom of platform) to get lost for the sake of a few marginal and spurious 'improvements'.

Personally, I believe that a foiling F16 would be a VERY BAD THING in terms of the future direction of the class. It has the potential to make F16 esoteric and niche sailing. Where the future of the class surely lies is in growth of numbers of boats sailing - through a technical but fun-to-sail platform that provides for range of budgets and abilities.

If we start messing with tip weights we marginalise strength, if we optimise foils for a particular condition we risk compromising the design in other conditions. It's the same for hull design, beam scantlings, rudder design and position etc.

F16 will grow bigger and stronger if it is not too radical or too exotic. We must play to our strengths, our core values, and not compromise those in search of some perceived but unproven gains. With respect, I don't think there's anyone out there currently sailing F16 who doesn't believe that there's more to be had from their boat just by sailing it better! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />