What I quite dont understand sometimes is why let the location dictate what kind of boat you purchase? There are zero F16s in my area, and there are zero F16 in anything closer than a couple of hundreds of miles from me. Yet I chose an F16 because it suits MY needs. Obviously the F16 does not suit the needs of the local clubs. I am always racing against I20s, Tornadoes and H20s. I am usually the smallest boat on the course as well. It really doesnt matter to me, what everone else sails. I dont mind racing in open class, because obviously I will try my hardest to sail the boat to the numbers.
So why let the area dictacte what you invest your money into?
I'm glad you enjoy being the trial blazer and hope you continue to be very happy with your boat.
To answer your question, many (me included) have absolutely no interest in any form of handicap or yardstick racing. My interest in racing is very simple - first across the line wins. I have no interest in beating whatever boat by whatever time because in it's very nature, no handicapping system is perfect and will favor one boat (be it mine or the other class) over another.
I like the formula concept (be it 18/16/whatever) and also OD racing although single manufacturer classes do have both positives and some serious negatives.
Call it following the pack if you like, but beating the other guy who is on as close to the same equipment as practicable is most definately the attraction for many.
Tiger Mike
