I will go on record in saying that AHPC and 2Bsailing are doing excellent things in getting youths started on multihulls and by extention promoting the F16 class. We all know the youths are not really the ones with the big wallets so neither is getting rich of it.

In response to Darren's comment *being : "I know everyone doesnt like me refering to F16 as a feeder class ... ") I can only say that the "everyone" who is being referred to is actually the one who in error. The F16 class has always been vocal from the very beginning that it sees herself as a partner in comparison to the big other classes like the A's, F18's and the youth boat of the moment (currently sl16). If Darren says that he sees the F16 class as a feeder class then he is spot on in that respect. It is a boat that dad buys and sails singlehanded, maybe taking mom along on nice days and is available to the kids to work themselves up to the big league that is without a doubt the F18's. So if anything, his view is shared by the F16 class founders. That must say something.

Additionally, there is absolutely no shame in being a feeder class and rather I would say that there is in fact alot of honour in it. Take a look at the youths on the Vipers in this Europeans; simply brilliant isn't it ! Who doesn't want to be involved with such enthousiastic people ?


On the other hand I also understand where seeker is coming from. There is a significant difference in experience between various crews. For example both Christa and Brett have attended and done well in more then one F18 worlds. Darren, Carolijn and Liz are also sailors of world renown with trophy chests to proof it. But of course so is Sproat and he is holding a modest placing in the rankings. Come to think of it, these crews that some call professional are not at all having a free ride by "non-professionals" like for example the Sicouri sisters.

So yes, I think Seeker has a point somewhere, afterall put the future European champ on a different make of F16 and I still expect them to be in the top 3. The same applies to the last place finisher with respect to his placings. But more importantly I also feel that it is not worth fretting over. There will always be large differences in crew skills when taken over the whole fleet. Maybe it is better to refer to "talented crews" and "regular crews" rather then "professional" and "non-professional". Other then that, these talented crews are a gift from heaven. If we play our cards right then they may well be our final rocket stage that propels the F16 class to undeniable success.

For that I'm personally very thankful.

In the end we all benefit.


Hopefully, we don't forget to enjoy ourself in the mean time as well !


Wouter

(most definately a "regular crew" myself and not getting any younger either !)