Just as production materials and techniques eventually switched from wooden boats to fiberglass, some day we will probably see carbon fiber become the new material of choice. It already is for the A cats, most racing mono masts are now also carbon, and rudders, boards, etc. When that happens the weights will come down.

The only thing keeping the F18's heavy now is their rule book. They could all be built 50-100 lbs. lighter today even without using carbon in the hulls, but their rules won't allow it. When they come out with a 300lb. F18, then the F16's will have to worry, but I doubt we will ever see that. Until then, the F16 is only 230lbs., not carbon, and just as fast as an F18. Even faster with the right crew! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />