Normally this forum is told first of new development but this time she is the last.

However the news is that the Vectorworks Marine, located in Titusville Florida, will build the Blade F16 design, of Phill Brander and Ian Marcovitch, in the USA.

See for the official announcement : http://www.1design.net/cgi-bin/webbbs_config.pl?read=5699

See VectorWorks Marine website : http://www.vectorworksmarine.com/

From involvement I know that several components have been sourced and that the electronic model to guide to machines have been rendered. The next step is to build the first batch and test these and identify any remaining issues that need to be addressed. I'm told a group that of test sailors to help in this has been found. Still, there is room for more.

Of course with the continuing bad exchange rate of the US dollar the F16 class had a problem with regard to the US scene. We are all very happy with this new development and the F16 class / designers will fully support Vectorworks Marine and Matt in any way she can.

With kind regards,

Wouter