Ok hows this for proof.
From the Contender sailcloth catalougue. APEN 06 3 mil is the only laminate in their whole range to have such a high film to fibre ratio. in fact the only cloth to have a 3 mil film at all. This includes all of their high performance fabrics including kevlar and carbon.
1.5 mil is pretty much the standard film thickness across their range, and is good enough for massive yachts why does the f18 class believe that it needs to be special and require the cloth strength to come from the plastic film. It makes no sense. Some of the information i have seen come out is from people that:
(a) Dont have a full grasp on what they are talking about
(b) Just plain telling untruths because it suits their own personal adgenda.
Im a fan of Contender products but sometimes their products are hard to get. If the new list goes through, being from Australia if my local contender supplier runs out of 3mil apen, I'm screwed. I have no other options.
Sorry for the bit of a thread highjack.
No doubt the f18 is a development class. The rule cherry picking has to stop.
Obviously the major manufacturers have been caught with their pants down by Sail Innovation. Maybe they should lift their game a bit instead of trying to move the goal posts.
"no doubt F18 is a developpment class" will be ok but then do not be shy: 130 kg (why 180 kg, "rule cherry picking " ? it is far too heavy on the beach), carbon mast -that has existed it was F18 high tech and it is a dead cold body-, foils of course, but not as simple as the one on Nacra 17, I like the GC32 or ETNZ system, winglet in order to fly longer and wings to look like AC72 will be the finale touch.
Nowadays who can imagine sailing with soft sails ?
Be a real developpment class, that would be great, isn't it ? ;-)
More seriously, just have a look on Tornado 2013 news.
After their class suicide by developpment, Tornado people try a revival, it is interesting to notice the argumentation.
All Tornado star I met tell me one thing: be aware to protect F18 spirit and success, do not accept sick class rules readers. There is no sailing and ordinary sailors interests there.
You may ask if they use 1,5 mil or 3 mil

:
Tornado One Design Sails - Key Facts
One Design sails will become class legal as of 1st April 2013.
The class rules will include both sails and battens.
Advantages
The advantages of One Design sails are:
No advantage for professionals who have their own sail designs. All sailors have the same sail material to win races

No more expensive sail develop programs
Prices are locked for four years
No more extreme sails designs for light or heavy wind locations
Better quality of Sails, longer lasting sailcloth
Proven all round Sail Designs (from World and Olympic Champions)
Knowledge transfer between the sailors of all levels. The top-secrets are over, able to supply a standard tuning guide on the website
Faster sail measurement at championships
http://tornado-class.org/onedesign/onedesign.htmMay be Tornado people are in advance and their experiences explain they are wise.