OKAY HERE IS THE INFO ON THE NEW G CAT F-16 COMPLIANT BOAT
We put the boat together on the lay day of the A cat races and got to sail it for about one hour before we raced in the Tradewinds. Matt did a great job just getting the boat completed for Hans and there are some things that still need to be completed to give this boat its full potential. The most important thing is the rudders, we were not able to get the rudders done in time and had to use some thing. The rudders that were used were not under the boat far enough even after some redrilling and shimming. The boat had helm issues at times that would almost require a two hand grip. At about five minutes before the starting sequence the tiller extension broke not allowing us to double trap in the first race. After finishing third to two blades we went to the beach to get a replacement tiller and move the rig foward to help the severe helm issues. We raced back to the start area and caught the gun for the F18 start and set our watch. In this race we were first to the A mark and on the domnwind leg broke the tiller crossbar at the adjustable connector. Take it from me that sailing with a spin up in double trap conditions with both rudders not connected it not very fast or fun. Was able to get the cross bar back together and rudders were toed in about 1" we finished second in this race . All the bad things that happened were forgotten about when we saw the look on Matt and Gina's face as we were the first to the A mark. OH yea no boards and first to the A mark!! Down wind speed was off due to the sheeting angles on the spin not correct as of yet, causing the leach to curl and flap while the luff flowed properly. In the third race the rudder situation had gotten so bad that we retired , pleased with what we were able to see in the boats potential. Once these itiems are corrected it will be interesting to see the true potential of this radicaly different and simple design. Some work on the bow entry to have a fairer entry and front beams are going to be trimmed to a 60 degree angle will reduce the amount of water being pushed and speed will increase. Han's may have some thing with these improvements that will allow easy family type sailing with out boards and still compete with the Blade benchmark for the F16 class. Stay tuned as Hans is on the back to Vector works with a refinement list.

Bret Moss