Gordon,

You had me worried there for a moment mate !

Good to see it was just a misunderstanding. And I'll say it ones more, that I to appreciate the two classes moving along side by side. Actually our current F16 class chairman is both a F16 as an A-cat sailor. Sailwave (Colin) said it best, it is indeed very interesting to see "two completely different designs and philosophies ... end up at about the same speed".

Of course some teasing will go back and forth. But that is just common sibling rivalry. Sometimes the A's score a nice point, at other times the F16's do. But I don't think we'll ever let go of one another. We are too much alike in world of overweight boats.

Also it will credit us both when at those times a mark is recognised by a "touche !" of the other side. 45 boats at the Florida A-cat event was your mark. Eric Poulsen fighting for line honours on his Taipan 4.9 with spi against the best A's is our mark.

Personally I really do hope to see more mutual racing/events like the A's at the F16 nations cup and the F16's at the Gulfport Invitationals. Keeps us both sharp and shows the world that there are very nice alternatives to obese boats (F18 ? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) (Notice the smiley ! )

Wouter