They did well in helping errect the F18 class [by building boats to the class rules],
they tried the F20 class, not sure how compliant the F20C is to the rules

could be a good thing to the F16 class if they build an F16

oh and btw I love the look of the F20C, they will carry that over is what I hearded

Mike Krantz has bought a F20. The guy knows his stuff and that's recommendation enough for me. I'm sure they'll be fine.

A Nacra F16 would be a wonderful addition to the line imo.

Come on now lose the rose colored glasses.

Nacra virtually single handedly kept the F18 class from happening in the US for years. They kept pushing their I 18 with a larger sail plan and it took a long time and extra effort by a few dedicated individuals to finally convince enough people to buy into the F18 concept here in the states.

There is what 5 or 6 versions of the 17 (F class ???) 3 versions of the 6.0, at least 2 for the 5.5 and 5.2 each. The new “F” 20 is not built to any rule it is just a distance racer to compete heads up with the M20.

No bashing of boats here, but Nacra has a pretty distinguished history of not supporting class racing.

There is potential for them to really help the class, we can only hope their product if they choose to make one, it represents well.

Nacra has the 16square, I believe before they kill that class and enter the F16 market, which will happen one day but at the moment what will happen is the current 16sq. will be modernised, it will have a square top instead of the current pin head and a asmetrical spinaker added, still a 1 up cat, and in saying this I raced against one recently where the nacra people were and it had the spinaker conversion, it performed well and the changes would be inexpensive, so dont hold your breath, as for hobie, its a business and if they can make money then they will produce the goods, but it will be at cost of the hobie 16 and i cant see that happening, perhaps a upgrade to the existing models which would be cheap an worthwhile without killing the class, especially at the current ecenomic times

Nacra and Hobie.. What is the big deal. The class is strong enough on its own without them. Enjoy the sailing and racing and the class is perfect and healthy. We dont need any big names. Perfection, happyness and joy is not found in numbers but in experiences.

I understand the wish to spread the "evangelism", but worry less, dont try to conquer the world. Enjoy what is, the present, and forget about world dominance in the future.


I am off to chant a few hare krishnas..

Amen brother! :-)
(I agree)

It's an open formula class. If it is strong, healthy, and growing then any manufacturer or home builder would be remiss not to consider having an interest in it. We really have only 2 options presently in the US. Both of which I admire. If one pulls out or there is a merger, it is a single manufacturer. Whereas, if a "big box" builder joins; odds are the additional marketing effort will bring even more boats to the class and all 3+ vendors would enjoy increased sales. Sort of like the restaurant park idea. For Nacra or Hobie, it may be more about not loosing sales to an attractive alternative to their SMOD products.

The era of formula classes is upon us!

Humm Nacra 16?
That wasn't on their webpage last week.

is http://www.cathouse1.com/ speaking for Nacra?

Nothing on nacra.com

They'd better do their homework and send their top drivers!

Imo, this is very, very good for the F16 class.

If they get on the water by spring, they'll be well sorted by September Nationals at WRSC! Things keep looking better

There you go. Now why worry..

"Good for the class" no doubt is a very personal idea.

WOW...

Hi Rolf! Why would I be worried and how is this bad for the class?

Wrong context Pete.

They don't have a boat yet. It is in the works though.

I think this was something that was always a possibility and to some extent the intent. I know that I was involved with the F16's to build a better mouse trap and what better way to define succes then to see the scene converge on the F16 idea.

I'm excited by the prospect but also guarded. On the other hand I have full confidence that the F16 class will keep her rudder straight. By God, she has shown that many times over the last years. The rules are simple and clear; the playing is level for all builders and the performance between boats (even with a little extra weight) is well balanced. Any builder building to the rules is warmly welcomed and if any plays a game of forcing through rule changes to their own liking then they'll get the cold shoulder. In short the F16 class is both clear and just and garantuees a stable class to all builders.

Beyond that I'm anxious to see what Nacra comes up with. Lets give them the benefit of the doubt; it could also be something very good !

Wouter

It will be great for the class although I think it will maybe start 'out dating' some boats? I only say it because it seems like there has been a lot of turnover in the f18 class.

Patrick, I don't see it. I sail against the best and newest frequently. The margin shrinks as my ineptitude shrinks. I actually beat people occassionally.

Honestly, I believe we will only see small, gradual gains in boat perfromance and that will come primarily through weight reduction.

It's really gonna hit the fan when the factories and rock stars realize that in some light air, flat water conditions a sloop doesn't stand a chance against a uni rig. Following that reasoning, when a world class sailor/athlete about 6' 3" and 215 lbs shows up, he will own the class!

I would think that the relative success of the viper points to the fact that small/moderate differences in weight don't make a big difference. I will bet some$$ that nacra f16 will weigh closer to the viper than Matt's boats. Nacra would do well to the alter cup with them too

How much?