You are clear that the Taipan is outmoded speed wise compared to the F16 version of same boat. So let's not pretend those advances do not exist.
The Taipan does not meet F16 specs.... It is not a spinnaker class for starters. Different boat, Different market.
If we go back to 1995 the Taipan is awesome, but as Wouter says the advances have been made and AHPC have not decided to advance the boat and wish to go with a new platform.
Once again... It is not AHPC descision but that of the association and it's members. Still after 14 or so years, the Taipan has no equal as far as 16 foot non spinnaker cats go...... So show me where the Blade, Stealth ect are superior here. The 4.9 is optimised for this configeration where the others are optimised for spinnaker.
If you decide to optimise and develop the 4.9 as an F16 then some F16 sailors will be eating some humble pie.
However, as I stated before.... It is in the best interest of the 4.9 class to develop a new platform for F16 so as to not do any damage to what is still a very strong class.
You have said in your last post the numbers in your club have dwindled.What are they sailing now?.. I will bet the boats they have chosen are a new box rule class with spinnies.
Our club has dropped in numbers significantly with fleets such as 4.9s, A Class and Nacra 5.8s which were previously the most popular classes now seeing small fleets as with all other classes. Some of our 5.8 and Tornado sailors have moved into the F18 Class but in general, we as with most sailing clubs, have just lost members.
In Oz the strongest cat fleets nationaly are still the A Class, F18, Hobie 16 and Taipan 4.9.
