Wow didnt know everyone here is such an UPTIGHT group. SHEESE! people relax, its not the end of the world.

This makes me think, no wonder catsailing is in a decline. You folks are way to uptight about certain things.

Troll.

Also the rudder stocks were an issue. Not sure if that has been corrected... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Don't go there. Baby Jesus is still very upset and uptight!!!!

Thats right, lets not make him cry. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Yeah but what is Teenage Jesus doing? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Guys we should not mix religious items with early business. In my experience this is always a bad combo and far more trouble then any momentarily amusement is worth. Besides it is bad taste.

Wouter

Yep I'm in Hans/Mary camp here !

Wouter

Its actually funny how all you folks excluding some make a big deal about such a small JOKE. Even the thread was meant to be sarcastic joke. SHEESE!

Are you all this serious in real life?

PLEEEZE let this thread die....and hope that people considering getting into the F16 class do not read it.

Is this about all F16s as a class or just the Blade as being produced in the USA? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hey guys, let's keep things in perspective: Blade production in the US is the best thing that has happened in for the F16 class here. Thanks Matt! There are many new F16 sailors, new and used boats are more available, the Alter Cup will improve exposure, etc. I hope many more Blades are produced; I hope the manufacturing and design process is ongoing. AND I look forward to other continuing designs coming forward for other manufacturers, like the F16 Goodall is developing.

"It is based very much on the Capricorn F18 design. The boat has all the good ideas that I have picked up from the F18 project plus some new ideas to improve the hull and rig. This will be the next generation beyond the Capricorn...I want to keep the cost of the boat to a competitive figure."

As a new F16 member, I'd like to weigh in here....

I'd been out of sailing for 14 years (previously a H-17 skipper). When getting back in, I researched various boats and found my way to the F16 class.

What I particular liked were (in no order):

* Sail sloop (2-up) or cat (1-up)

* Rig solo if necessary

* F16 forum and catsailor.com open forum

* reasonable F16 fleet locally (ie FL) to race

* Local fleet (SCCA - Fleet 45) for day events

* Regatta's around the state

* US manufacturer (VectorWorks Sail)



What I didn't expect:

* unbelievable global neighborhood of cat' sailors ready to spend precious time helping with getting things right.

* network of peers who will open their doors to you if you find your self on their side of the planet

* competitors who will beat you on Saturday, yet instruct you on Saturday night (over beers), so you can improve on Sunday.

* passion around a sport whether you're a racer or day sailor.

* instant friends who share the passion of sailing and competing.

* How challenging it is to sail a spi' boat single handed; yet exhilerating--it's you against the best of the sloops!


The origin of this thread was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek humor about Blade problems .... I wouldn't trade my Blade (or experiences in the last 4 months) for any other sailing platform out there. I'm looking forward to improving my skills and kickin' Matt & Chuck's butt (no offense to Robi, Pete, Seth and other F16 members in FL .... but I'm aiming for the top in FL!!).

Yeah but to do that, you will have to get over me first! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

GAME ON!

I am a lapsed Catholic so I find anything about the Baby Jesus crying funny but I am sure some people who might be excellent sailors might find it on the nose and rather out of left field.
Having said that I find the idea that F16 should stand or fall on an unkind opinion of a sailing platform or the exras on it very Chicken Little... ah, he was the guy who thought the sky was falling.
IF someone has an opinion why not just chat about it and work towards it all going in a positive direction. And if we are not alowed a laugh.. God and the Little Baby Jesus help us.
As a person who does not know the Blade, would it not be positive for me to hear the arguments about platform verse extras so I can make an informed decision?
I agree.. Chill out and sail fast.

A little off topic but tback's comments about the people of the F16 class got me thinking...

I think you may find that most classes that are "thriving" these days are those that have good relationships and/or communication between all members of the class on and off the race course. Maybe we've stumbled across the reason why sailing participation is dwindling, too much agression on the water and not enough help/mateship off the water. Those classes (including all members of the class) that have a good friendly rivalry on the race course, and respect for each other at all times, will thrive. Those that do not, will self-destruct.

It's a bit like society come to think of it, fancy that...

Sailing is on the increase at our Club. Thats not to say it did decline quite sharply dince the late 70's when 60 dinghies entered Club races but people seemed to have more time on their hands back then. Recently we've over 20 boats on the water. The introduction of Cats approx 10yrs ago basically saved the Club from extinction and this year alone the Cat Class has seen three new boats. Auz Flyer, Tornado and a Dart 16. Next week I'm lending my Stealth to a prospective F16 buyer (He's got to sell his ZapCat first) So hopefully sailing in general has turned the corner and is on an increase in popularity and excellant Forum's like this one can only help promote the friendships which Sailing should provoke.

I aggree utterly with this man. Every kindness and help should be afforded those we sail with. While I believe in no quarter given on the race course all effort should be made to create and strong and vibrant fellowship in all other respects. The best aid I have in learning how to go faster is a boat in front of me. I share most information I ever find for speed with those I race as I believe it is not the 100 metres winner that is special, it is the seven others who turned up to race and insisted he ran that fast.

I can assure everyone that this forum is a major component in growing the F16 class. We must keep it as it has been in the last 5 years. Fun, informative, supportive and sometimes a venting outlet for frustrations.

Wouter