Post deleted by Tikipete

Pete,
Why start an IMHO inflammatory thread?
The F18 class is the flagship of the multihull racing world and there is no reason to challenge that.
I think the F16 class is a great class but needs to grow.

Sometimes I think that this forum is the F16s biggest enemy judging by the pointless discussions going on lately without any moderator intervention.

Maybe the F16 slogan should read: More Sail! Less Talk!

The last thing I want to do is inflame other F16 sailors or damage the class. We were attacked, I'm hitting back. I believe the premise of my statement is true.

If you truly believe the thread is inflammatory I'll be happy to delete it.

The F16 slogan should be "F16, by sailors for sailors". Designed and built by sailors, for sailors. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Agree with Tony that there is no reason to drag 20 and 18 footers into this. Focusing on ourself is the way to proceed. Moderation on this forum, to end threads going nowhere or the wrong way (i.e. damaging for the class) is something I would like to see. I have been against it, but I see value in it now if used sparingly and rightly.

I actually like Petes idea about outsourcing the production of parts and assembling the boats under another brand. Or licensing a design and production methods for a proven result. Much like what NACRA did with the A2. Lots of hurdles to overcome, and it is questionable if there is enough money in there for the "big ones". Remember that production cost is one of the reasons there is so much stink about weight on the forum. Heavy boats are cheaper boats, equals more sales and more money in the chest at the end of the day.


History: http://www.formula16.org/content/view/14/35/lang,en/
Going back and reading the old messages here is a lot of fun.

The versatility of the F16 makes it, IMO, a sure winner that will endure for some time.

It's only a matter of time! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yes, the versatility of one up/two up, solo righting and handling both on water and on shore coupled with performance and a great bunch of guys is a sure winner. We just need to build on what we have and not let outsiders ruin what is already built.
I think hitting back as you say will only do damage to ourself if we enrage other classes. It is in our own interest to not say anything negative about other classes, but emphasize whats so good about the F16 class.
Non-members coming here creating havoc on the other hand needs to be dealt with swiftly.

Agreed. But, at some point, we need to discuss performance. When that happens, comparisons will become inevitable.

We have our official message and that should be told without trying to feed the trolls (I bet that they are happy how we react) and not go to personal accusations, even technical data can be presented in good manner. If someone wants something different that we are then it's fine there are other classes for them, we should just focus our strong points. I also think that performance is a thing that needs to be proven on a race instead of internet forum.

Then you are in for a very pleasant surprise! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Remember a while back, all the talk about the U.S. handicap being too sweet? Our top people have been pressing "faster" boats for some time.

I tried to say that mostly it has nothing to do with numbers or making well in results, of course it's one big part but most important thing is to get out there so that people see us having fun around the course <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />. Of course at some areas the class is already quite visible in real life and even in high end of score boards but for example in Nordic there hasn't been lot visibility.