read the blurb about the Taipan on the site. While I know it is a great little boat
(I did choose it) and the others have all played actch up for over a decade the site would have you believe it is in a league with the 18s and 20s or maybe just the fastest boat in the whole World. I am talking about the rethoric.. I see it as unmittigated BS.
What blurb are you quoting...... I see the following and do not see ANYTING missleading in it.
Also the Taipan is such a great little boat which punches well and trully above its weight.
VYC Yardstick
Taipan 4.9 Sloop - 73.5Alpha Omega 5.0 - 82.0
Calypso 16 - 85.5
Cobra 16 - 84.0
Gemini - 88.0
Hydra 16 - 85.0
Hobie 16 - 81.5
Hobie 18 - 78.5
Hobie 20 - 73.0
NACRA 5.0 - 81.0
NACRA 5.2 - 79.0
NACRA 5.5 - 73.5
NACRA 5.8 - 72
Stingray 18 mkII 74.5
Taipan 4.9 cat rigged - 76.5Dolphin 16 - 85.0
Hobie 17 - 82.5
Hobie 17 sport - 79.0
Nacra 16sq - 79.5
NARCA 18 sq - 73.5
From the AHPC web site
It's Bite Is Infectious
TAIPAN 'UNI'
The fun starts with the Taipan Uni. It’s heritage stems from A-Class and Tornado experience and development. With only a mainsail, the Uni is a delight to sail single-handed. Our ‘FingerPrint’ helm system means light and responsive handling. And although Taipan Uni weighs a mere 105kg, the vacuum formed ‘CoreStrength’ hulls provide a super strong platform for reliable, high-speed performance.
Taipan’s rig is leading edge technology. The ‘ProWing’ mast is the result of many years of race-winning development by Greg Goodall. The profile is unique to AHPC, gives less drag and adds around 2 square metres of sail area. With a Goodall square-top main, it’s the most innovative, efficient rig of its size in the world.
Taipan features all the AHPC go-fast gear. ‘TruSteer’ parabolic rudders reduce ventilation, eliminate cavitation and minimises drag. ‘SmartLock’, our new lock down/auto release system protects your rudder blades in shallow water. Taipan’s ‘HiLift’ centreboards are not only very stiff and lightweight; control is easier with a single cord to operate both boards.
The carbon fibre rudders and stocks are strong, durable and weigh a mere 1.7kg per set. The quick action, detachable crossbar, tiller extension and rudders make fast and simple work for fitting and removing the rudder assemblies. The foils also come packed in specialised soft foam bags for protection while transporting.
Centreboard recesses have extensive carpet lining, providing a good grip with smooth operation and sure protection for the foils in all positions.
For more control ‘MainTamer’ our centre-mainsheet system gives you or your crew better sheeting angles and easier, quicker tacking.
Taipan ‘Sloop’
Simply add a jib to Taipan and you’re ready to go two-up. But when it’s all about performance, a fuller mainsail is recommended. And when it really counts, Goodall Yacht Sails will cut a main to work best for your specific crew weight. For pure heart-bounding sailability and regatta winning results, Taipan Sloop really fangs.
Taipan ‘Hunter’
Hot up Taipan even more by adding a spinnaker and set sail to go after anyone. With Taipan Hunter even large cats are fair game. If you’ve been seriously bitten by Taipan, ask about our Hunter kit.
Taipan has already proven its racing ability with numerous wins at major regattas. With agile and easy-to-handle characteristics, along with pure speed, little wonder it’s charming sailors all over the world. In any configuration, Taipan ‘really fangs’.