I,m interested in racing my 1986 hobie 16 again..sails and boat are in great shape,I bought new harken 6:1 blocks.I am interested at racing it at contenentals and using it to train for worlds.Any suggestions on upgrades and whether they would be considered as "must have" or just "nice to have".Any input would be appreciated.
Mike Madge

Don't miss the Madcatter May 17&18
http://www.fleet204.com/

Interested in coming.will there be charter boats avaliable?

The nice thing about H16 class racing is that an older boat in good shape can still be competitive. A jib traveller system, Comptip and double trapeze (along with comfortable trap harnesses) are musts for racing. Other bits can be added as you go.

If you want a training seminar, Fritz Klocke is hosting a H16 seminar on May 24-26 in Norfolk, VA and Rick White has seminars scheduled in FL, NJ and MI. The H16 NA Champs are Sept 29-Oct 3 in Dewey Beach, DE.

It's only 26 hours from Thunder Bay.
Consider that there were over 40 Hobie 16's at the event last year!
Contact someone in 204 (check the web site) if you need a charter. Some of the local 16 sailors race Tigers and may be willing to let you charter their 16. Good luck hope to see you there.

BTW: CORK is also a good one (July 5 - 6) we make the trip from CT for it. Great wind, great camping, great RC.
www.cork.org

what is your thoughts on the aussie jib halyard system.Does it add much to preformance?

Mike, Look forward to seeing you at the Catfight in Muskegon, MI in August as well - 15 Hobie 16's already signed up...over 30 Hobies signed up...its going to be a great event!

I have never used the aussie system so I cannot give you an opinion. Hopefully someone else can respond.

The AUS system reduces mast compression. That is to say mast bend caused by jib halyard tension. I have one but I'm not sure it's necesary since the 16 has such a beefy mast. Wally Meyers does not use one and he's plenty fast.

thanks,and yes i,ve heard Wally is pretty fast.Maybe it would be nice to have him on the forum with some go fast tips.

Well, the rest of the world including the top guys is sailing the Aussie halyard or also known as European halyard system and that makes those boats slightly faster.
So, there must be something about it.
Additionally you should replace your cleats which helps to better adjust any halyard.

Fritz

I have sent an email off to a person that knows Wally and will see if I can get Wally to visit our forum once in a while. Please let other H16 sailors know about this forum. Maybe we can start getting more well know H16 sailors here to give us input, etc.

I forgot to add maybe we can also get well known H16 Trapseat sailors such as Mike Strahle the currentl H16 World Champion. I will email him.

I have used both jib halyard systems and I like the aussie system. I don't think either system has a speed advantage but the aussie system is easier to adjust especially on the water.

The jib halyard is one of the most powerful adjustments on the boat because it affects the rig tension. Tight in light to medium. Ease it a little in very light conditions and very heavy conditions.

cheers
Bill