Hi all,

Via this way i want to thank Wouter what he did for F16 the last couple of years and that he did a great job to help the class to get to the point where it is now.
He is getting a lot of time to sail now so we will see him much more often on the National and International race circuit now.
Thank you Wouter for he good job you did and see you on the water.

I will have to second the "thanks" to Wouter. I LOVE the reasoning and rules of the F16 class. He has obviously spent many hours behind the wheel of the class and making it a world wide success.

Thanks again.

I also look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been built by Wouter with Hans.

Wouter ,

Thank you for your dedication and effort on our behalves. A couple of years ago,I was involved in the launch of a new class of skiff by the largest manufacturer of dinghy's in the world. Despite their best efforts and $$$ the class died... You've worked sans committee and vitalized this class to the brink of something really great; a near miracle in my estimation !

Paul
USA #300

Thank you Hans, for these kind words.

I'm indeed looking forward to actually do some pleasure sailing on my F16 soon. Shortly followed after that by some racing. It was a exiting set of 5 years but also a tiring one. I shall not lie and say that I didn't long for some rest and recreation, but seeing the class take off now does really make it all worth while.

As my final installment I would like to present these personal thoughts on the F16 class to you all. In it I allow myself one last time to give my personal opinion on important F16 matters and meddle in the F16 class affairs.

I invite everybody to read my comments at :

http://www.xs4all.nl/~whijink/End_of_tenure_brief.doc


Paul or Tom, with your permission I would like to request that this document by put on the new F16 class website.

I now publically hand over the control of the class to the new governing council consisting of Hans Klok, Hans Geissler and John Alani. I wish them all the succes possible. I'm looking forward to the new developments that Hans has planned and I place myself into the councils service if and when so desired.

This is it.

...

But don't worry I shall stay active in the F16 webpage arena.

And of course as a Formula 16 sailor !

fair winds,

Wouter

Wouter-
Great note, you almost had me crying in my beer!
I want to thank you for all you have done for this Class- I suggest if we ever do pass "dues" for the Class you be inducted as a "Life Member" with no requirement for dues!
So, all things must pass- and as you, I have complete faith in Hans/Hans/John.
Now- when are you, Phill and I going to get together again for a sail?!? That was a great time in Holland!

Kirt

Kirt,
My thoughts exactly on all counts.

It is a huge task to create a class from nothing but an idea.
(Anyone who doubts this should give it a try.)
The three of us started out with an idea and helped develop the initial framework but Wouter's single minded determination and dedication has been like an engine behind the F16 classes development. His tireless efforts have paved the way for what is quickly becoming a great global class for anyone interested in fast, lightweight, versatile and easy to handle spinnaker sailing.

In my view he has earned Life membership of the class many times over and would not hesitate to second your nomination that Wouter be awarded life membership.

I also have complete faith in Hans , Hans and John and am certain that together they will ensure that the class will continue to grow into a major force in sailing.

BTW:-
I also had a great time sailing in Holland and would like to meet up again.
Possibley Singapore or maye you and/or Wouter have an alternate suggestion. I'd like to get back to Europe also I'd like to make it to the US sometime.

Regards,
Phill

Wouter,

Thanks for all your hard work!

Same to Kirt and Phill!

Hi Wouter,

my thanks must also go to you, for the job you have done. The support and behind the scenes work you have put in can not be quantified, I hope we can carry on the work so one day you see the fruits of your labours recognised across the sailing world. When people talk of F16 like F18 and A class.

Regards Gary.

I'm thinking F16 Global Challenge Singapore 2007 or one of the Gulfport A-cat / F16 invitationals.

Although it may be alot more fair to Phill to go down-under this time round.

Wouter