curved dagger boards

if the daggar is in front of the beam, where would the boat pivot for a tack/gybe? seems like it would cause a big swing in the stern... although I'm just thinking more of the image of a rear-steering bicycle...

Maybe the rudders should be in front of the beam. Or rudders on both ends.

I care a little about handicap since that's what I'm racing during the week. Never found a system that everyone feels is fair so I just drink more beer and accept the results for what they are. I do realize Round Texel and other big distance races use ratings and the results do matter. Still, we know how that ended up over here...friends don't let friends race handicap!

Some valid points on the boat design, people are still pushing the limits but many of the designers are really looking at more exotic foil+hull shape combinations and I wonder how much trickle effect we'll be benefiting from. Btw the shared lift concept was tried about 20 years ago and never proven faster. Phantom designers tried it and said it was slower. Maybe if someone keeps at it for a decade like sail rocket it'll work out but I'm not counting on it.

The Phantom was quicker in a straight line with the boards further forward but it was harder to manage on the start line and when tacking.

How many can say (truthfully) that they sail their boat to the rating?

So what about F18s with curved boards AND a wing? <img src="<>/wink.gif" alt="wink" title="wink" height="15" width="15" />

is that boat in the background single-handing the 18 wing?

No I think that just the angle of the camera.