It will most definately replace the Taipan F16 (= not Taipan 4.9) as that is the whole intention of having the Capricorn F16.

It will seperate the F16 line from the Taipan 4.9 line and that is a good thing. I'm sure the Aussie Taipan 4.9 sailors will be very happy with that. From the perspective of the F16 class it is a good thing as well. At the beginning of the F16 class it was predicted that the Taipan basic design had several good years of competitive sailing left in it. And it has proven that indeed it had, winning the F16 Gulfport event even this year. But we are 5 years on now and the Taipan F16 is pretty much maxed out, any further gains must come out of parts that are not easily modified in the basic Taipan design. An example is the daggerboards, but also the hull shape is getting a little outdated; that is after remaining competitive during a very respectful 18 years. Especially the weight carrying capacity is an issue that is well improved upon. It was time to do the "clean sheet" approach. And I must admit that Greg himself has predicted this all along. At the very beginning he mentioned that they would stay with the Taipan for a couple of more years and then when the class got more established they would design a whole new 16 footer from the ground up. Using the latest design features and try to become the new benchmark.

The question then becomes what will happen to the Taipan 4.9 as a result. The international sales will most likely all transfer to the new Cap F16. Which puts it to the local Australian fleets to float the Taipan 4.9 design by ordering new boats sufficiently often. And at a higher cost price then the Cap F16 I may add. If Gregs prediction is true that the Cap F16 will be faster and also a better allround boat then I see an uphill struggle for the Taipan class to maintain herself. Only strong continued class racing and a strong class organisation will then be left for the Taipan 4.9's to balance these other considerations. To me this sound like fighting with one arm tied to your back. I would co-opt these challenges by voting in for example the F16 mainsails into the Taipan class and maybe a new jib design. Thus negating some of the greater differences. Anyway, my opinion is not really important anymore, it won't change anything and it is now up to lady fortune to determine what the end result for Australia will be. On the international scene the race has been run and that race was the only one affected me personally.

So, I say best of luck and succes. Actually I would love to be proven wrong by the Aussie Taipan sailors, I really do as the design really deserves it, but I don't fancy their chances.

Wouter