Stuart, Just remember what I said before about crewing for sombody else. By all means attend at least one regatta as soon as you can, even if you don't race. The connections you make, and the advice and intruction you get from the old salts will save you much suffering! If you are near enough to attend one with Matt and John, GO! You are about to embark on the most fun you've ever had! The boats are all good designs, and you'll find great sailors sailing all brands. At 5'8" and 134lb I'm in the midget calss, and dream of moving up to the incredibly versatile Blade F16. Mind you, if you were sailing striclty in their area, I'd be preaching Hobie 16 with fleet 204. Sure it's an old design, but they are great boats, and there are many awsome sailors still racing them! I have a H17, and sometimes crew on H16s, 18s, and 20s. Another great boat is the Nacra 17. But I don't think they race them 2 up. Beautiful boats though! Robi, don't take it so hard. Some of us know the F16 is a great platform, and is bound to grow! How many Blades were sold in the US this year? Maybe not many in comparrison to F18, but give them time. They will catch on!