When I started racing with CRAW 4 years ago, we had 3 F16 in the fleet. One guy stopped sailing cats but we've added 6 F16 for a current fleet of 8. Two N20 converts, three F18 converts (two still sail F18), one FX one convert and two started CRAW with a F16.

There is a mix of manufacturers with 3 Falcon Marine and 5 Vipers. I think there is also a Nacra F16 (to add to the 8 F16) but it has sailed in just one regatta.

Anyway, reasons for the switch are varied but some got tired of finding crew, others wanted to sail with their kids, etc.

Anyway, I gambled on F16 a few years back and there are now always several F16 racing at any regatta.

FAD.

(duck!)

Sorry, couldn't resist. I just remember the naysayers. As recently as last year I remember people doubting the viability of the class.

Never know, it all might collapse Tom. Next year everyone in CRAW might be looking for H17 after we see how much fun they have at Madison.

You mean N17?

Nope. Hobie 17, there's going to be a whole butt load of em' at madtown.

If there's one consistent personality trait amongst sailors, (besides mild obsessive compulsion, outright nerdy-ness, and mild alcoholism), its that the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side.

I must have missed the memo.

Where are they from? Same course?

I considrered H17 back when I was looking for a single hander but couldn't find anyone outside of Carlyle that raced them.

MILD alcoholism? really?

Denial is the first stage....

I'd still call it mild. At least in my case. It will usually take at minimum a day or two for the shakes to settle in, typically more. So yeah, mild.

As I'm fond of repeating, I believe I put Captain Morgan's children through pirate school with as much as I've "contributed" to his product line.

Lightweight? Sure
Mild? probably not.

Karl, just wait, January is comming!

Then you can get serious about it!

That's the nice thing about winter, you never sober up long enough to piece together that you're an alcoholic.

And...there's the ice fishing!

Wait a minute...

What If...

you put an ice house on the Viper, lace up some Super Tacks to the four corners, and SAIL it out to the fishing hole?

You're going to need a whole lot more Vodka!