My Blade is for sail, I'm going to the A Class (see the classifieds: price is negotiable, very negotiable for a quick sale).
The F16 is a fantastic class! There are between 50-60 sailing in the U.S. and I have no doubt growth will continue.
So why am I leaving? Age. Mine and the class. I'll be 60 in May, the F16 class is very young. Our needs are different.
The A class on the other hand is mature. They just hosted a fantastic World's and 2008 has a full slate of events which I believe will be top notch. The fall event, on Monterey Bay, is just too good to pass up!
What do the F16s need to do to catch up? Nothing different. Keep sailing, enjoy your boats and over time, with a little effort, it will happen. The boats are too good to fail.
I expect to sail the Blade at Trade winds and hope to see many of you there.
Happy Holidays to all.
Well,
The F16 class was indeed intended as an entry class, possibly leading up to classes like the A's and F18. And I think it did just that in your case Tikipete; coming from a Warram cruising multihull and now going to the A's.
Best of luck and enjoyment, hopefully your Blade will find another newbie on his or her first steps to more serious catamaran sailing !
Wouter
Pete, you will be missed! I'm glad we will at least get to see you at Tradewinds and again in Gulfport on a regular basis, I hope! It would be nice if your boat stays here in Florida though. There is a guy here on my lake I will talk to about it, he has a son too, and daughter, both have been out with me and loved it, so maybe I can talk him into it.
Hope you stick around on the forum Pete! Please point the new owner in this direction so we get an opportunity to bring another F-16 sailor into the fold.
Hope the new class is all you are looking for!
I take it you've sailed an 'A' before!! The sheet loads are incredibly light as is the tiller. They look easy to sail but from my limited experience they are extremely twitchy. Anyhow, best of luck and keep us informed.
Nadolig Llawen
Mark
Wouter: You've outdone yourself promoting this class! I think it is well beyond the entry level and is an end in itself. Thank you! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Blade.
Rolf: You couldn't get rid of me if you tried! <img src=
alt=
/> I will always be a F-16 supporter.
Mark: I've never been on an A. But, I'd never been on a Blade. Ordered it sight unseen! <img src=
alt=
/>
Hi Pete,
Which 'A' are you getting?
I hope to own an A someday, very nice boats.
Hi Tony:
A cats are very expensive boats! I will buy one I can afford.
My dealings with Vectorworks and Matt McDonald were superior. So, I will try to buy a new Bimare XJ.
Well $ee what the resale market says <img src=
alt=
/>. That will largely determine whether or not I buy new.
Didnt know you were
sailing
your boat Pete, havent you been doing that for a few years now?
Are you talking about
selling
as in the boat is for sale?
LOL, Pete, like I told you over the phone, if you are happy sailing whatever boat, I will be happy for you my brother. And again you are always welcomed to crash here if you need a place local to Gulfport.
once an F16er always an F16er!
Semper Nare <img src=
alt=
/>
sailing
your boat Pete, havent you been doing that for a few years now?
Are you talking about
selling
as in the boat is for sale?
LOL, Pete, like I told you over the phone, if you are happy sailing whatever boat, I will be happy for you my brother. And again you are always welcomed to crash here if you need a place local to Gulfport.
once an F16er always an F16er!
Semper Nare <img src=
alt=
/>
Jeez! <img src=
alt=
/> That's as bad as my post about the kite sailer being
drug
across the parking lot.
Hi Pete,
I intend to retire to a A'class one day also <img src=
alt=
/>. Hope I can still sail a F16 one up at 60, well done. <img src=
alt=
/>
I have sailed A's for quick burns, very light on the controls and touchy to get the speed out of. Far less physicaly demanding as long as you don't want to beat Glenn <img src=
alt=
/>. Hope your Blade sells quick.
Don,t forget the XJ has been superseded by the Bimare V1 as of 2008. So they should be cheaper as they aren't the latest model!! Just a thought for when you speak to Matt next.
That picture of the V1 looks kind of like a Blade, stretched out! Hmm...