Scross,

you'll find F18 sailors are rarely willing to criticize other designs (more so than I've seen in any other class I've sailed). I think this is for two reasons.

1. They all want people to join the class and don't really care which design they're on.

2. All the boats are very similar from a speed point of view. Because of this people don't often speak up and say my X is better than your Y, because next time they go to a regatta there might be a couple of Ys in front of them.

Having said that, you asked about the Capricorn.

Is it fast? Yes, you don't win Texal and the worlds on a slow boat.

Is it faster than the Hobie and Nacra? No. Its about the same speed.

If you're really in the market for an F18, go for a sail on each of them and work out which one feels right for you.

Oh, and don't rule out the old Nacra. it might be the right boat for you.