Mark,

I am isolated in the outskirts of Europe, on the western coast of Norway. There is not much I can do, but what I can do will be done. E.g. there _will_ be a new 20 footer here in a not too distant future, under an alu Tornado rig. I dont think running an event here will draw a crowd, even if it could be quite spectacular.
Check Google Earth,
64°51'48.93"N
11°14'13.59"E
to
62°28'47.72"N
6°12'20.56"E

Lots of nice scenery here, and predominantly northly mixed with western winds. Lots of places to stop, and all logistics could be done over the coastal express (http://www.hurtigruten.com/en/default.aspx). Start and finish can be extend as far north as you could possibly want, while Bergen would be the logistical endline as the coastal express ends there: 60°23'19.17"N, 5°11'54.77"E

I think you have a good point on what direction the growth can come in the US. I dont see it happening tough, as there are no boats buildt professionally and homebuilders are far between. But things are happening, so perhaps there will be a new breed available in some time.. Things are happening on the homebuilding front with new building techniques, so perhaps homebuilding also becomes "easier".

Amongst the races here in Europe, the Round Texel is the one to participate in, with the Dutch open race week during the week before. But building the class is all about fun, affordability and activity at the local level (you and I know a bit about that from the tornado class).

I dont like the name F20HT, as it is too close to the F18HT and you in the US have some sore memories. F20S(super) or F20HP (high performance perhaps)?


Thanks for your interest by the way! I am certain the Tornado would be highly competitive in an F20HPS(orwhatever). Could even replace the centerboards with some daggerboards and inserts for even better windward performance?

Comparison to keelboats is down right blasphemous <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Certainly we could do better than that.

Anyway, until the right mix of people get together and things start happening, this is all hot air, but fun hot air. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />