Why don't they just split the difference and come up with an F17 class? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

This is too good to be true! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

POPCORN! POPCORN! GET YOUR POPCORN HERE! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

enter wouter....

F17s http://nacraclass.com/F17.htm

F17 won Cat Fight (Spinnaker Div.) against I-20s, F18s & Tornados





Those totals were a combo of sloops & unis. I wouldn't exactly call those East Coast Races, it really seem that the F16 is only raced in Florida Area.

Ted

But I thought the F17 class is not a true formula class!

OH [censored]! another can of worms just popped open.

Oh dear lord.

Sailed a javelin w/JD Soloman at OBX several years ago. Suprisingly fast boat, very light. The rudder system was a little complicated for me, ripped a rudder off. That boat rolled upwind with, and passed Tigers. All was well until we got stuck in the weeds. F16 uni sailed solo, why couldn't the F18 be rigged uni and sailed solo? Obviously more mainsail and larger spin but should be manageable by a largeish skipper in moderate winds. Why is the F16 sailed sloop or uni but not the F18?

May I play too..? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />The Taipan 5.7 would be faster than both the f16 and the f18, probably the N20 and maybe even the Tornado had it gone through the same rigging and sail development as the other classes. Proof? Ask Macca..

I occasionally sail the F18 solo and it has a lot of horsepower for one person. You can outrun other F18s very easily in this configuration up until about 12 knots and then you're depowering so much that you get left behind just about as quickly (with or without the jib furled). It would not be anywhere near an "even fight" on a uni vs. double handed F18.

This thread is stupid, thanks Tiki <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sail the boat you like. The important part is to go sailing.

My opinions on the questions/assertions above:
1. There is a small USF16 Class Association trying to grow the class at a regional level within the US. Only time will tell if this effort will be successful.
2. Most F16s are in the Southeast. Although you will find them scattered to the Northeast and West coasts in Open class racing (I know, you HATE handicap racing).
3. F16s sailors usually choose the boat for the versatililty and open box rules.
4. Most often, not always, F16 sailors are debating to buy F16 or A Class or F17 - NOT F18. Different needs are met by each boat.
5. No claims about speed. It feels fast. It is fun to sail.
6. F17 class racing is limited to the Great Lakes Region.
7. If you want large single class racing on the nat'l level, find a crew and go F18.
8. I like the 18HT, too. Cool boats.
9. How much more time before the fad is over?
10. Most F16 haters haven't sailed one and/or have issues with a certain F16 sailors.
11. Handicap racing, while disliked, will be around for the forseeable future. Might as well sail what keeps you active.

See you at the bar at Tradewinds.

I liked the thread with the kid that was trying to get us to look at the powercat website.... THAT GOT CAT SAILORS TO PULL TOGETHER. This one just splits us up and we should freeze it here. Stop. no more.

Then you are taking it way too seriously!

Guys, I'm really puzzled.... is this F16/F18/A N Other boat bickering purely a US thing? (and only made international via this forum)

In the UK we just don't get any of this "my boat's faster/better/lighter/cheaper/more expensive than yours" stuff. I've also not experienced it in Europe.

On this side of the pond we all seem to rub along really well and take a GENUINE interest in each others boats. I've had F18, Hurricane and Tornado sails ask for a ride on the Stealth. I, in turn, have begged a blast on a T. At combined class opens we all give each other a hand and don't give a monkey's */$^ what someone else is sailing.

Don't get me wrong, it's not idyllic, we're not all holding hands and be extremely polite to each other. But, we're not bickering or slating each others choice of boat.

The F16s in the UK have been INVITED to join the A's for their Nationals and our 2005 combined meeting with the FX1s is to become a regular fixture.

There just doesn't seem to be room for any inter class animosity over here. Rivalry? Yes. Animosity? No.

Hey, I am dead serious!! Me and my GRANDMOTHER on an upgraded Taipan 5.7 could blast all you guys!! With our eyes closed. Enjoying fine wine while on the wire.. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I'm sure there have been murders committed over whether Ford or Chevy make the best truck.


Don't you guys get a little testy over who has the best football team?

Anyway, I got tired of hearing about midget boats and hidden servos. So, when this thread finally dies, I doubt you'll hear those terms very often.

Nah this only happens on the retardnet. I have gotten so much help on the water and on the beach from local rock stars. It is a humbling experience.

I have never been in a situation where people will come up to me and say my boat is this or that. Everyone is pretty darn friendly. Its an retardnet thing, makes everything a little less personal.

John,

I've never seen any animosity in person at regattas. It seems to only exist on the internet. Damn that Al Gore.

The atmosphere at regattas is more as you describe.

We do an A cat/F16 regatta at GYC in the Spring.

" I finished sixth at that event, not exactly my finest hour, kinda falls into that 'also ran' status "


Hey Dingram, what was your finest hour or are you just an "also ran" with blinkered views <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />