Hi Jerry,

Here`s a question you asked earlier :
"Who else has experience comparing light vs heavy cats in high wind conditions in cats with higher volume bows? What I'd really like to compare is something like Taipan 4.9/F16 to I17R in higher wind/wave conditions. Anyone sailed both?"

Correct me if I`m wrong, but this is probably the question that you really want answered. Don`t know the I-17R, but have seen it on the Inter web-site, nice boat. I don`t know it`s specs, I presume it`s a bit heavier than Taipan / F16, or you wouldn`t be asking.
This one is difficult to answer, different designs, different lengths, different rig heights & aspect ratio sailplans etc. Also, comparing it to Taipan is different to comparing it to other F16 designs, they are all different from eachother & will have different behaviour characteristics in different conditions. Best to test sail all boats you have your eye on, if at all possible.


Next question :
"One more issue which would be interesting to understand in this regard is: I would imagine that higher aspect ratio sails (ie, shorter chord) could be more susceptible to stalling or detatched flow than lower aspect ratio sails under similar conditions. Just an instinct. If so, then this would be another factor influencing the different outcome. Anyone know the hydrodynamics of this and if higher aspect sails are more "critical" in this regard?"

Don`t think we should be studying your sailplan under "hydrodynamics" unless you want to know how it behaves while submerged !
Aerodynamically you`re correct though . High aspect wings on aircraft with less chord are more efficient at producing lift than low aspect, but are more sensitive to angle of attack & are easier to stall (detach airflow). They also produce LESS lift than low aspect sails AT LOWER SPEEDS, however their higher efficiency compensates for this, so a low aspect sail will feel more powerful, but have the power closer to the boat, where you want it in high winds, while a high aspect sail will generate more lift higher up, making it better suited to lighter winds. That`s why it`s important to have your rig set up so that the top of the main twists off in strong wind, to depower the top of the rig & allow the lower half to produce the power, thereby staying upright.

Comparing Taipan to Mosquito is an interesting one, since the Taipan is essentially a Mosquito on steroids (check Taipan history). They both weigh much the same (M=100kg vs T=105kg), same length hulls. Taipan is 1ft(30cm) wider, more bouyancy in the hulls & a bit more rocker aft. The mast is 1,2m longer on the Taipan, and it carries 3,5sqm more sail area (before spinnakers). The extra width & higher bouyancy enable the Taipan to carry more sail higher up than the Mozzie, but because of the equal length, the Taipan has to back off a little earlier than the Mozzie in 20knots plus. From what I`ve heard the Australian Taipan class rules prohibit them from racing if the wind is above 22 knots, (I could be wrong, if so please correct me)while the Mozzie is very comfortable in a bit more than that(up to 28-30knots, we won`t start a race in more than that). It`s because we have less sail area lower down. Doesn`t help us in the light stuff, but you`re asking about high wind & waves.
If you`re sailing in high wind & waves a lot, I`d pick the longer boat, even if it`s a bit heavier. I do have a problem if it`s 50% heavier though, I think there`s a fine balance between all design elements which either make a boat a pleasure, or a pig.