Isn't this whole thread dedicated to why a smaller boat can beat a bigger boat across the line? The N20 sailors say they were not racing the F18 sailors, but I BET the F18 sailors are racing the N20 sailors (this is documented in this thread, by the way). People on shorter boats have a reason to to try harder to beat the bigger boats (Napolean syndrome).

I think Performance shoud invest in an upgrade strategy for the mast and sail design for the N20 - similar to what they did with the F17. It is too soon to tell if the F17 fleet is divided over the upgrades - it it is a perfect experiment of a SMOD making changes to keep up with the fleet. Some think it went flawlessly and others thinks it stinks....

I LOVE the N20 as a big boy boat an wish it thrives. I one day aspire to be big enough to have one!!! Otherwise some other 20 footer will supplant the N20 as the distance racer of choice (that statement is compliment to the N20 and its design).