I remember reading some disappointment by Jake after this past years F18's and thought that without the opportunity to sail a lot of one design events it's hard for him to improve further even though he obviously works very hard at it and has done well in a short time.(only an opionion)
I think you are refering to "one design" as SMOD (single manufacturer). From an F18 training standpoint, I don't think having a mixed bag of F18s vs. SMOD group of F18 platforms makes that much of a difference. In fact, I think racing in a mixed bag of F18s help you find the minor strengths and weaknesses of your particular platform so you can exploit them. Only once have I raced in a SMOD fleet with my F18.
Our lack of performance with NAF18 NA's this year is largely due to a lack of focus and practice both at and leading up to the event. I spent the majority of the year working on the Nacra 20 and distance racing. Coupled that with limited vacation time, limited funds, and completely missing at least one significant F18 event (Spring Fever)...I just wasn't prepared. I think the North American fleet as a whole has stepped up and gotten better too and left me behind a little.
