What about the older than 12 market? I realize that you're trying to get youth involved but how would this boat hold up to a 160lb adult skipper? Reason I ask is I've wanted to build a boat for a while.
There appears to be two projects for 12 footers :
The Blade 12 (Phill, strict OD ? )
For kids : probably under 12 years of age. Sail area smaller then the laser dinghy (same with respect to F12). Not much else is know with regard to specs.
The F12 (multi manufacturer relative open OD class or true formula ; Wouter and others)
For youths and light adults : over 12 years of age ; optimal racing for 40-65 kg crews (90 lbs -145 lbs) = 12-16 year olds and adult women, but should take adults up to 80 kg (175 lbs) well in a recreational sense. Beyond those weights the sail area will be a bit small and it will be doubtful whether you'll fly the hull often; boat will however float well till crew weight up to 250 kg. Sail area is the same as the Laser dinghy : 7.00 sq. mtr. on a 6.000 mtr tall mast. performance with adult will be about the same as the Hobie Wave and it'll be about 15 % faster then the Laser dinghy with same crew. Performance with youth (12-16 years) on it will be close to the standard Hobie 14. Lifting of hull while hiking by 55 kg skipper will be about the same as a 150 kg crew on a F18. This data applies to a F12 that has the following dimensions : 3.75 x 2.00 mtr by 65 kg with 7.00 sq. mtr. sail on 5.30 mtr luff on 6.000 mtr mast (aspect ratio of 4 = tad lower then F18). It appears that Retired Geek, Scarecrow and Wouter are all working on F12's with these general dimensions.
Both projects had the same origins in 2003 but Phill and I eventually disagreed on several aspects, of which this is one and so a split happened. It sounds like the F12 is more up your ally. But I wouldn't be surprised if Phill comes out with a Blade F12 later on that is upgraded for 12+ usage. The chances needed are not too big afterall.
Wouter
