Gordon,

I never intended any personal insult to you. Allow me to state that first.

But still I fail to understand how I trashed the A-cat class. It is not like I said anything that isn't true. Claims of the A's being the ultimate singlehander are abundant as you well know. And the other stuff written are all verifiable true.

With respect to apples and oranges, you are correct design wise, but there is a strong argument to be had about who reaches the finish line first irrespectibally of individual design features. It is what was claimed often by A-cat sailors themselfs in the past, at least it was overhere where I sail.

I am truly puzzled in what sense a "quasi spinnaker" is unfair to the A's. Any more then all the fancy stuff on the A's themselfs ? Will it truly be more fair when you can have yours but we can't have ours ?

I also do think it fair to call sailors grumpy when they nick name another design as "Cheater boats".

So please forgive me but I really don't see how I wronged you. Afterall this is the F16 forum and yes we do highlight the strong points of the F16's here, sometimes in direct comparison to other classes. I do recall plenty of similar comparisons on A-cat forums and alike.

You did indeed sail F16's very succesfully and yes I/we would love to see you switch boats now and then in the future. And I/we respect your choice for the A.

Additionally the smiley's in the original posting are a dead give away that I was being sarcastic/teasing our fellow sailors.

Wouter