I just got this press release from the organizers of the first (Italian) National Formula 18 catamaran regatta in 2007

The first F18 catamarans National regatta of 2007, valid for the Italian F18 Ranking List and first qualifying event to the 2007 F18 Europeans (to be held in Dervio – Como Lake, Italy next July) was held in Punta Ala (old base of Luna Rossa AC team) from 28/04 to 01/05/2007 and enjoyed an excellent attendance (49 boats, whose a few from abroad).
During the four days of the regatta, the competitors faced every kind of conditions (the wind ranged from 2 to 5 Bt and the sea from flat to very choppy).
Only on Monday, due to the absolute lack of wind, - dead calm -, the boats were forced to stay ashore.
In the other three days, 7 races were disputed:
at the end only Pierre Sicouri (Capricorn), with 4 bullets, was able to stand from the attack of Daniele Saragoni (BIMARE X-4), who in turn won the other 3 races.
This is the first time that the newest BIMARE design got a podium standing in a very important F18 event.
Now also the X-4 is to be regarded as a real aspirant for the continental title (with the RIGHT crew!)

Just read the "official" report about the regatta on the Italian F18 Class web site.
Actually the X-4 got 5 wins out of 7 races (the other two with Monti-Raffaelli). Unfortunately they forgot ashore their personal weight correctors (they are a very light crew)and were ruled out.
It seems also that all the 6 X-4s which attended the regatta placed in the first 15.
The Italian F18 Class, which is going to organize the next F18 European, announced that very strict rule controls will be carried out in Dervio next July (expecially with regard to boat and crew weights) in order to avoid the nasty discussion occurred in the F18 Worlds held in France.