The F18 is a succesful class. It's popular, people are excited about potential new models, its a fast boat, its built by numerous manufactures and it is all developmental. While the Tiger is both a one design class, it is also an F18. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lag in changes isn't very slow for the OD side of things anyway.
So my question is, why aren't more classes run this way? I don't want to discuss the sanctity of the Hobie 16. I don't have anything against SMOD in the slightest. Its a form of racing that I preffer, racing on handicap is infuriating sometimes. Beating another boat by 2-1/2 minutes, only to find out later that he squeaked by you on the numbers. This isn't eliminated with a box class, but all of the same formula boats will have the same handicap. But I am really actracted to the formula boats. Some models will do well in some conditions, but not as well as others. Some aren't built as well as others, etc. etc. Differences is a good thing in my book.
If I were to guess, or at the very least follow a gut feeling this is probably the way things are going. A-cats are the same way, box rule, and a are also a very succesful class. Not that I want Hobie to build an A-cat, but what about the F16? One of the things that I really love about my boat is that it handles two people very well. It isn't raced that way, but it should be. (Another topic, another time). This is one of the things that I feel is a shining accomplishment with the F16 class, they race singlehanded, and two up with no penalty. The F16 hasn't reached the popularity of the A-cat, or the F18's, but I think its on its way. When will Hobie, more likely HCE, or the other big brand jump on this? I love my boat, but to be honest I have more faith in the growth capacity of the F16's than I do the FXone. Having that I haven't sailed one I can't say I like the F16 more, but I do like racing against other boats, and convincing others that don't have the lack of financial responsibilities like I do to purchase a boat that is greatly inflated due to the decline of the dollar is a tough sell. Lets face it, sailors are fricken cheap.
For me Hobie regatta's are the main game in town. There is a small group that has thier own beach and has racing everyweekend. There is also the Catamaran Racing Association of Wisconsin (CRAW), which is made up of mostly of Nacra boats (I20, I17, F18), but there is a couple of Tornado's, a couple of F16's and some Acats. I can take my boat, and party at any of these. Don't get me wrong, I will stick by my boat till something better comes along made by Hobie. I preffer the Hobie regatta's, but I haven't raced against another boat, ever, except on handicap outside of the fold. I will do my best, but I don't see this changing for reasons stated before.
I'll brick if anyone in the US buy's a carbon FXone.
