New modern boats aren't difficult, they are just different and H16 sailing doesn't give you much of a head start in learning to sail these modern boats. Don't get overconfident. Start in stable conditions with medium windstrength and build your skill up from there. Read up on how to handle these modern boats parallel to on the water learning. It is not difficult to learn how to handle the mainsheet, downhaul and other trim tools on these boats but you will have to know how to do it in gusty or strong conditions.

Just as a example to explain what I mean : a F16 has slightly less sailarea (main + jib) then a Hobie 16; but it goes 20 % faster meaning that this smaller rig is able to produce about 40 % more power. With the wrong trim it can even be more powerful still, this needs to be held under control. With a few simple trim procedures this is not a problem, the boat will calm down completely but you will have to know how to do it. Of course that H16 sailor in my example didn't know and got burned. On the various forums you can get alot of advice regarding these trim procedures.

A-cats, M18, F18's and others are no different. A-cats, M18's, F16 and Capricorn F18 are actually very similar in handling and trim. You can use trim advice for any of these on the other 3. Trim tips for the H16 are useless on these modern boats.

Just go for it, you learn to handle the modern boats quickly enough if you start out in the right direction from the get-go. And the extra learning/challenge is just what you are after isn't it. You won't get bored onn these boats soon.


Wouter