So what is better than a H16 in the serious surf? (dont say Nacrs - in chop they go like a Ferrari on a motocross track)Anyone really tried the Supercat 17? Bet you it is pretty good.
There also seems to be some confusion with technology/modern/design seemingly interchangeable terms?
For instance, if I built a replica H16 with carbon in place of glass hulls , it would be using hi tech material, and an inferior design (not the same-inferior) because the material properties would not be exploited as well as the glass was, it is even conceivable that the localized rigidity would cause new failiures....
James Wharram and Hanneke (sp) build boats that are able to use low tech materials because they are instinctively? so smart in design. This is technology. The Polynesians had a better boat for its purpose than did Captain Cook - their technology was superior, but their materials and fabrication techniques were less sophisticated (lower tech).
It sometimes seems that people consider materials only high tech if they produce awfull toxins in the manufacturing process, and look markedly unusual...
Personally, I get goose bumps looking at a slick old Tornado tapered aluminum mast, whereas an extrusion replicated out of carbon fibre is just dumb. Now a woven up carbon mast with all the fibres in the right places, that is hitech materials exploited by smarts. Hi Tech, with a capital H.