I'll take that wager, Rolf. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree that the advent of wing masts, and changes in foil and sail shape appear to be happening much quicker in non-Hobie platforms, but until these other manufacturers can find teams that will stick with the boat long enough to get the experience needed to overtake the Hobie rider teams, the progress is moot. We may have seen the tipping point at this year's worlds - or maybe not.

My prediction - Tiger remains unchanged throughout the next Worlds in AUS except for minor sail cut mods and the fully-battened jib. If a Capricorn wins (good bet due to the sailors likely to attend), then I think there may be some more serious talk in France about a new mast for the Tiger, maybe... but nothing makes it to the fleet until late 2007 or early 2008. In the mean time, Tiger teams will continue to dominate the standings, espesh here in the US. One or two non-Hobie boats will start showing up in the US top three, again due to the sailors that have either gotten into the class recently, or Hobie sailors that have switched to another boat and are skilled enough to take advantage of the advances.

I truly think that the advances are valid and have value - I put my dollars where I thought they were best spent. But I also firmly believe in the several-years head start that Tiger sailors have in time on the boat. Nobody in the US has more time on an F18 or a Tiger than Greg and Jacques from Hobie USA, and nobody in the US is coming close to giving them a challenge on a bouys course. Will new boats and new additions to the class make a difference? We'll see in a few weeks. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />