Since it seems that there is still some interest in the US towards the F18HT class, I would like to make you known that the European class recently started a discussion about the introduction of the jib into the class rule.
See:
http://forum.mysnip.de/read.php?12763,1050889

On the topic I agree in full with Andy's opinion:
basically the introduction of the jib is going to make the boat faster/easier to sail in winds over 13-14 knots racing round the cans and in almost any condition in distance races, but for sure it is going to split the class: in given conditions only the sloop rigged version will win, in other the opposite.

Catfan,
Personally I think the jib is a good suggestion but
from what I could understand from the link you would not be looking at just adding a jib to the current boat.
It would be a smaller mainsail and possibley a smaller mast as well.
Surely this would only be viable for new boats and the current boats would probably need a bridle foil to help take the loads should a jib be added.
If it helps grow the class that would be great. But as it may require a stronger platform and different rig there is a chance that it may create a seperate class all together.

Regards,
Phill

Adding a jib would help with distance racing I would think... but the class is dead in the US and I don't see room for it to come back, especially with the economy the way it is. But then again, I am not an expert.

Adding a jib would make the 18HT less distinct, add weight, and make it just a lighter F18. It seems like a bad idea to me.

I agree with Eric,

Eric, check your personal messages.

This is a quote from
http://forum.mysnip.de/read.php?12763,1051015

In our current 18HT class rules, jibs are not allowed.
At our latest european championship there was a proposal to open up the class rules.

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Dear Friends

This is my personal view.
Everyony must decide for his own.

Uni = mainsail only 20sqm
Sloop = mainsail and jib = 20sqm


Points for the Uni:
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Trademark for the 18HT - The A-Class for two
In classraces, all the 18HTs have the same advantages and disadvantages, equals better racing
The Unarigg has in my opinion in winds ranging from 2 - 4 Bft. a better performance
The Unarigg is less expensive, compared to the Sloop (no jib hardware).
The hulls can be build lighter, because there is less inward tension from the forward shrouds
It is easier to build a boat to minimum weight without jib (less hardware, lighter hulls)
Simpler boat, less strings to pull.
Shorter setup time

Points for the Sloop
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Definitly faster in higher winds and faster in waves
In my opinion, easier to sail fast
The boat can be sailed alone without jib, more versatility.
The boat could be more interesting for beginners?
Maybe we find more sailors?
Maybe more dealers and more manufactors?


Points against the Uni
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IMO difficult to sail in waves and higher winds
IMO difficult to sail in very low winds (less 1 Bft.)


Points against the Sloop
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It is not certain, we find more sailors
It is not certain, we find manufactors which produce Sloop 18HT, will Ventilo sell Sloops?
We will loose the 'one design' aspect in our races when Sloops and Uni's race together
Sometimes the condition favor the Uni sometimes not, no more equal racing anymore
We could loose too many regatta sailors and the class could be to small to attract new racing sailors then
Not much differenz designwise to the F18 anymore (why not sailing an F18 then)
It will be difficult to build a boat to minimum weight (allready difficult enough to build a Uni to 130kg).


Conclusion
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I am in favor for the Uni, but would ofcourse race the Sloops in my Uni, if the desicion from the majority is to allow Sloops from now on. I also would like to try it in Texel next year (the Sloop), if my boat is strong enough and someone sponsors me .