Some statistics to understand the class.

For me, it is about enjoying what I do and forgetting about the weeks stress. I want to have good times, with good racing, with great people.

That said, I am very competitive. I like to win and don't like being left out the back door...... however it is more important to have good competition. I am not much of a fan of handicap racing and prefer first across the line racing. I would rather mid fleet in a very strong fleet, then win in an average one. I will try to prepare my boat and myself as well as I can (with the limited time I have) and would not enjoy going into a race with sub standard equiptment.... Unless I beat you on it

you need to add another option:-

I am a internet racer and keep my boat in storage.

I resent putting Eric Tabarly in the cruiser section. Even worse, mispelling his name. Go revisit Mr Tabarly achievements, and then amend you poll. Until then I'm not voting in it.

I am wondering why cat sailor are so touchy... anyway, there is no "cruiser section" in the poll above and you identified the name correctly despite my poor spelling.

Cheers,

Klaus

Thanks for the constructive input Macca

I am a serious racer, but it isn't just about the winning. For me, it is the competition. Sometimes I win, more times not. If it was only about winning, I'd have found another obsession a long time ago.

As you said, you are a serious racer. Are you intending to buy a F16?

Cheers,

Klaus

I am a Class member and have been racing F16 occasionally each season since 2007. My days on the front of an F18 are numbered. There are lots of growth opportunities for F16 on the West Coast. I plan to be around for that growth.

That's all I do is race, because that's the only type of sailing my time permits. I never win, but I'm there to have a good time and get a little "FUN" exercise. I occasionally indulge in some beverages.




Mike

I'm somewhere between the first two. I take the racing seriously, but it's not about the winning.

I sail F16 because it means I can race more. In May I sailed at four opens, and club racing on the other weekend. Two of those weekends I was sailing 1-up, and wouldn't have sailed at all if I had a boat that required a crew.

Paul

Trying to be funny or mean? No happy face. Few are as fortunate as you. Instead of ridiculing, you and other "professional / elite" sailors have a responsibility & no reason not to be above it all and dignified. Lead by example and don't do a disservice for all of the other accomplished and aspiring catsailors.

Better now?

My point is that some of the most vocal member of the class are also the least active on the water. And there is always some excuse...

How about this: The Worlds Largest catamaran race is on in a few weeks at Texel. Now, without all the usual crap about the cost of fuel and the cheapest options for getting across the channel. How many of you are attending this massive event?

Wouter, its less than 2 hours drive for you. Will you be there?

Hans, same for you?

Anyone else?

I race every Wednesday night and every Saturday afternoon. On Wednesdays solo, in club racing with beer afterwards, on Saturdays I'm doing "fun races" with my 8yo son where it doesn't matter where we finish really.

Hence the F16 BTW. Solo sailing and Duo sailing. I could not do that with any other class but the Dart 18. And I don't like the Dart 18: no spi.

Last year I did quite a bunch of opens, as well as the UK F16 Nationals, but this year I decided to dedicate my Saturdays to get my kids to learn to sail properly. Seems to work so far. My oldest is now assistant instructor, and proud of it

So to answer your question Macca, no I will not go to Texel. Sailing with my sons is more important to me than finishing in the last third in some event far away. I will do the Como event however, as I want to support the F16 class

With your connections, maybe you can make it to Racine. Show us all what you got.

Hell, that might even boost the turn out.

Normally most Wednesday nights during the Summer Autumn, occassional Sundays when I can, UK Nats and some opens as well.

Now Macca, what about you, what F16 racing have you done this year.

I was thinking of coming to Como, but its a tight schedule with some other things. Could still happen, but the GF will be steering if it does!

Racine is also an option, but if it happens it will be on a bigger heavier boat...

We'll be on the course with the N20s. Perhaps with your connections you can get us all in the same start.

You must think I have a lot of connections!

Sorry Macca. There is just no grace, insight, or sincerity in your posts. Some ways I don't blame you given your cold reception, including me, but it is merited also.

Instead of picking fights, how about trying to include? Why be negative....there is enough in the world already? In defense of Wouter and Hans, they both have F16 stick time but also careers. These are tough economic times for many. Further, they both have been and are active in the F16 class as a whole.

I hope you and all of other catsailors able to make the event have a great time. Texel is a remarkable!!!!! I'm sure that every catsailor wishes that they could participate.

As you said earlier "just too many excuses from the most vocal members of this forum".

My quess is that if Macca graces us with his presence in the midwest it will be on a 17.

Well, as it stands right now, F17 will be represented by 2 boats at Racine. They could use a few more boats.

how sweet would it be to get paid to sail these boats. show up, walk on the boat, sail, move on to the next event. yep.. we are all worthless because we have "regular" jobs that limit how much we can sail. damn... we suck.
I guess it is a good thing most professional sailors never post here. I can only assume they aren't all -ssholes like you. But then again... maybe they are.

I talked with Smyth for a while at the last Spring Fever. Why don't you take his example (not like you are in his class by any stretch) and be a good guy who is happy to contribute knowledge rather than criticize.

Dude, seriously, STFU.

LOL!

WWWHHHHAAATTT! You're the only one that caught it. If you hadn't said anything...

He's not the only one.

Hey Andrew,

I always wait till the last moment because of weather predictions. When there is a NW 5 bft waiting for us then i will not go with the massive surf in front of the beach. Last year i was observer with the family ( i need to score some points now and then ) This year i hope to go with the F16 but then it needs to be finished ( still working on my own boat, customers go first ) , if the weather is good and my 16 will not be ready i probably come with my A-cat. I make my dissicion on wednesday, thursday before the event. It is only a 1 hour drive for me.

We will see, in the mean time i try to keep training during weekends at Hellevoetsluis, i started end March with the training , so i made some hours already luckely.

Cheers,
Hans

If you leave it alone it will die from lack of interest.

I am hoping to sail sometime this weekend or next week for the first time in 8 months; I hoping I'm nearly fixed enough.....

Where were you "broken"?

Had a bit of a crash ski racing.

will not bore you with the details; shoulder has about 90% movement and about 60% strenght. Knee kinda OK; hand still hurts at times and thumb does not have full movement..

Just in time for the Mumbles F16 TT and the Welsh Cat Champs.

Ouch! Glad to hear you are getting back to -normal-!

Hu, that's scooby you are talking about. I'm not sure he was ever "normal".

[Sorry, that was way to easy ]

PM sent.

I resemble that comment.......

Macca,
I sail when I can. Would love to sail more BUT I have responsibilities based on my position.. I would swap with you.. But double if you could handle my corporate responsibilities.

HISSS! Let sleeping F18 trouble makers lie.

your a high paid grammar teacher? LOL!

My PA has a secretary to handle my typos..
But will be having drinks with the director of education next week.. What concerns you wish raised?