I wasn't trying to start a portsmouth discussion, we all know it sucks for distance. My point was on a rated course the 18 is rated slower but doesn't appear to be. This is directed at the sailplan of the boats not the validity of the numbers compared to what type of racing. 2 feet of waterline is a huge advantage that doesn't seem to be anymore. I don't believe the hullform is so outdated, as a 12 year old sailplan in a 12 years of progressive sail development. The F-18 to me is a benchmark, it has great numbers and many of the sailors on F18s I have raced against on N20s, therefore I know how they do on both boats. I firmly believe a 2 foot longer boat should be faster than a similar type boat. With the different hullforms in F18 alone, I think ,Through process of elimination it points to the sails on the N20 as being the weak link.Most of what I'm comparing is the infusion to the N20,because that's mostly what I've raced against.The hullshape is definitely better on the infusion ,but not to the extent of the performance differences I've seen.This says sails to me.
Again this is not a portsmouth debate or a shitslinging match with F18s. I JUST USE THE f18 AS A BENCHMARK BECAUSE IT'S A VERY GOOD ONE TO USE.
This is just my opinion. You didn't pay for it and you got your money's worth. The Todd
"I said, now, I said ,pay attention boy!"
The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea Isak Dinesen If a man is to be obsessed by something.... I suppose a boat is as good as anything... perhaps a bit better than most. E. B. White
