That is an overly broad statement, as Stephen Cooley will undoubtedly inform you.

Hobie 18's were available new up until a couple of years ago, and new hulls are being manufactured this spring.

ANY catamaran in anything but near-new condition has no business in this race.

Other than the difference in offwind speed, there's no reason why a Hobie 16 couldn't do this, just as they did the Worrell 1000 thirty-five years ago - without engaging the services of the US Coast Guard.