taipanfc and Bundy,

You're both right. The F16 class DOES need to now turn up at the 'big regattas' and race. As someone who, along with a few others, has done precisely that it's extremely frustrating that so few of us have done so.
It's yet another frustration to being currently unemployed - because, with an income, I'd be out there at Carnac, Texel, the Euros etc.

If you've done a few regattas (as I have in previous classes) it becomes addictive. You can't beat those big starts and courses, the sight of 100+ cats out there, the atmosphere and entertainment ashore, the whole social side of such an event is just fantastic and, of course, the opportunity to meet people from other classes and discuss the relative merits of the boats you sail.

God! I'm feeling even more pissed off now just thinking about it. Get out there guys and sail! - you'll love it!