Bob,

It's good to hear that Mark E. is going Uni. He is an excellent sailor and will make a good addition to the A Cat fleet.

As far as getting the core F17 sailors in my area to switch over, I think the traveling is still a problem even though the races you named are relatively close. It would still involve over night stays etc. Bob MUR has ranching duties that have to be taken care of on the weekends so he usually needs a day for that. Chris S. is supporting his son in his quest to become a stock car racer, and I have my 50-60 mile "fast" ride with the cycling club on Sundays. Then there is the financial aspect to consider, (of switching boats) and the fact that we wouldn't have a local dealer to support us. Also, as you know, we have some really fun distance races here which can be blast to do on the F17. The two Seabuoy races, RTI in FWB, and the two events at OSYC. By the way, that was an excellent pitchpole you had last year on the reach back from Horn Island!! I had a ring side seat since I was right behind you.

As far as which boat will win out when it comes to A cats vs F17's, you would have to consider many different variables. The biggest problem would be getting two skippers of equal ability. Then there would be the question of weather: wind strength, etc.

I was still a bit surprised how close the F17's were to the A's on the upwind legs though at the Alter Elim. 2005. Then, we had that reach to deal with. Throw out the reach and let us pop the spins that much earlier and the results may have been even more in favor of the 17's.

The more I think about it, the more I conclude that you cannot really compare these boats to each other. It’s all in what type boat you would rather sail. The A boat is easy to rig, and you only have the one sail to worry about. The F17 can be a monster to handle especially when the wind get up, and because of that, some of us "old" skippers are getting into better shape than we have been in years. So, it boils down to the following:

What are they racing in your area?

How much travelling are you willing to do?

How much rigging do you want to have to deal with?

Do you like to distance race?

Are you willing to work hard on the water all day on your day off?

Tom Turlington

NACRA F17 #12
Litespeed Vortex, Dura Ace, Mavic Ksyrium SL Wheelset