I think internationally, the F18 class is careful to not list that information - not like the A-Class where it is frequently listed in the official results. I like the principle behind that; the notion that it is more to do with the sailor than the boat. But if you're trying to see how boats stack up, you might want to first take the professionals out of the picture and see how mere mortals are doing on boats that they bought with their own cash. No offense or slight intended to those who get significant sponsorship and sail for a living - I think that's awsome, and anyone who argues that the pros are doing anything other than elevating the sport are just not seeing the forest for the trees. I tend to place some importance on the position of teams that are self-financed and without coaching programs, etc., because that is where I am. The F18 class is tough - more and more sponsor money is coming in, and more and more people are getting into the class who sail more often than the average weekend warrior can manage.

Anyway, I'm looking at the standings with an eye toward the guys I know have equipment I have access to and can afford. Some of the stuff in the fleet simply isn't available to the average joe because it is so new and is still being developed using top teams that can evaluate the incremental benefits of new sail cuts, materials, hardware, etc.

Again - don't flame me for being honest here. I have a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the people who have managed to turn a hobby into something a lot more serious. Without their involvement, I wouldn't be watching live coverage of an event on the other side of the world. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />