I bet you Matt would beat his own boat the Blade if he were on an F18 Wouter in the same race..

I don't really understand what you mean here, but I may just race Matt and Gina boat for boat in about 8 months. Including some other names we all recognize.

Currently it doesn't look like I'll be in a position likely to beat them. My regular crew just decided to make a carreer move and relocate to Londen UK. That means I have to start all over, training up a newby to be a skilled crew (or skipper) beginning in April 2007. That is 4 months till the I meet the McDonalds. As everybody knows that is not alot of time to build up sufficient skills on a spinnaker boat.

I guess my best chance would be to decide to go solo at this event and hope that local knowlegde of the area gives me a sufficient advantage. It is going to be hard work for me and I will readily admit to that.

Considering the Mac's beat Carla Schiefer and crew (mastrom M20) when Carla was 22nd at this year round Texel sort of says where we need to put the skill level of Matt and Gina, especially since they have been in a direct duel with John Casey and Kenney Pierce all season 2006. I'm certainly not there yet, hence my quote that I too need to spend less time finding excusses and just learn to sail faster.


Wouter

What makes you think that? IMO:

In heavy air they would be one of the first teams overpowered - advantage F16. I agree that the F18 is tough to beat in heavy air compared to the F16, but M/G are a light crew.

In medium air, its a toss up. Depends on crew work which is equal here (theoretical discussion).

In light air the lighter F16 would have the advantage.

I am not saying that M/G would suffer on the F18 (they'd be good on any platform), but I think they picked the right platform for their situation.

I've found that on my Taipan F16 with 145 - 150 kg on board I have no issues with f18's in both very light winds or heavy winds. It is the medium wind range where I need to work hardest. But then again this can be the result of the cut on my sails.

Wouter

Happened to run into Mr. Curry in the parking lot at Carlisle Cup. Very nice man with a great sense of humor. He didn't even offer to punch me in the nose for bashing weathermen.

What a sailor! Got a few brief glimpses of his transoms as he disappeared over the horizon! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Should we even argue over this?

Bob was being sarcastic and wanted to poke fun. We always do this on the race course and the regattas. I wish I can hang out with him more, he is the master uni-rig sailor and his starts were impecable and on the money.

Mat and Gina will beat any F16 over the line even if they are on a Hobie Getaway! They are fast and awesome sailors.

People will join the F16 class if they want to. If they do not join because of what Bob said in this thread, then sadly that is their problem because they are going off what is said on a INTERNET FORUM!

come on now, get over it.

Wouter what race are you planning on attending? The Gulfport A cat - F16 invitational?

No, the F16 global challenge.

The invitational will be for later, maybe 2008.

Wouter

Okay Matt better pipe up and let everyone know how you honed those skills racing your hobie 16 in that tough division 7,against sailors like the Jaggers,Slim.....as I recall Gina was the real talent,Matt just did as he was told.

I like my new boat.

Nah, - it's just a phase you're going through! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Feckin expensive phase then

Dont you have teenagers in the house?? Should be used to expensive phases then.. If you dont have teenagers yet, try to sell it off to the wife as training for your childrens next phase.

No, they are 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 and are into Skiing - which is almost as expensive as buying boats <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

It could be a midlife crisis. I wanted to have one but my wife told me I couldn't afford a red Corvette. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Hmmm, selling the teenagers DOES have merit.... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm working on a Lotus Exige 240 next <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Last weekend at Carlysle Classic, Clearwater, Florida the F16s sailing singlehanded with chutes- were pitchpoling all over the place. Vey choppy waves- great for surfing A-cats , but only 8-15 knots.
So- why was this...are they really too short?

The problem was with the skipper, not the boat!

Yeah, I've seen Matt rock'n'roll with that thing in 20 no problem. It's a boat that's being bought up by some folks on the busy end of the learning curve and that's why the capsizes. They're catching on quickly though.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Happy Thanksgiving!