Sparky,
You are not trying hard enough !
I've only tipped over 3 times in about 4 years, but all with the Kite up!
First was a wild gybe in a fair bit of wind whe I just 'went for it' too much and the Kite was pulling before I was ready and the boat just blew over.
The other two were while wiring with the kite up and I just Pitch-poled big time (was fairly windy F5++) because I had too much plate down.
I really like the concept to allow more folks to sail the boat. Big guys usually pay a penalty downwind and by adding a small amount of sailarea to the spin is a fantastic idea.
I'm in 100%!
Bob 
In two weeks, the CRAM F17 Fleet is adopting the new rules and the prototype large spinnaker has been promised. We expect to see it used at the Tawas regatta and the local dealer (Cathouse www.cathouse1.com) is offering a special deal on the prototype spinakers for the heavier skippers (over 210#).
Hey Sparky! Any chance the CRAM F17 group would allow the F16 1up boats or Hobie FX ones sail with them?
It is interesting that you mention sailing F16 single-handed boats head-to-head with the F17! We have done this in the Catfight for the last 4 years because all the single-handed boats start together. I don't think there would be any objection to having them sail and be scored in the same class and I think it would be good for the F16 Uni sailors to have a (larger) fleet to play in. It would be up to the skipper to decide if he wanted to sail with the F17s and register that way for scoring. I am pretty sure that the double-handed F-16 would be scored in the Low Portsmouth fleet. Regardless of whether the boat is the same speed or not, 4 hands against 2 hands is just not always fair, IMHO.
The alternative is to sail Portsmouth fleet and be scored on handicap. CRAM has a High Portsmouth and Low Portsmouth class which are scored separately. This last weekend, the Low Portsmouth class included NACRA 20 and A-Class and the Low Portsmouth included H-18, H-17 and H-16. One design fleets were F-18 and NACRA 17.
>>I don't think there would be any objection to having them sail and be scored in the same class and I think it would be good for the F16 Uni sailors to have a (larger) fleet to play in.
That would be the case. The more souls the better the fun.
>>It would be up to the skipper to decide if he wanted to sail with the F17s and register that way for scoring. I am pretty sure that the double-handed F-16 would be scored in the Low Portsmouth fleet. Regardless of whether the boat is the same speed or not, 4 hands against 2 hands is just not always fair, IMHO.
4 hand to 2 hands, yes I agree.
Wouter
Will any F16 show up for cat fight? would be interesting to see all the single handed boats racing.
>>Will any F16 show up for cat fight? would be interesting to see all the single handed boats racing.
Well, I-17 and F16's are geographically a little apart. F16 being present in the southern parts of US and rising in California. And the I-17 being strong around the Ohio-Michigan area.
Don't know if many will travell up to cat fight. However there are a few T's at Rhode Island I beleive.
We'll just have to see. Eventually the two zones will met and then some combined racing will be fun I'm sure.
Wouter
NACRA F17 Tuning Guide is now posted on The Cathouse website ( http://www.cathouse1.com/ ). "Click" on NACRA F17 and then at the bottom of that page, "click" on F17 Tuning.
This document has been recently updated and reflects the change in the Rules.
I havn't been able to locate the rules for this new F17 class. Is this class a "formula" class like the F14, F16 F18 and F20? That is, can other manufacturers or individuals build conforming F17 boats or is it limited to one manufacturer.
Dan
It's my understanding that F17 is the new name for the Nacra 17r. I haven't heard of any Formula 17 Class Assoc. at this time. As for the rules, I called the Mark at the Cat House. " rules have been sent to N17R class members for input" I think Sparky is a F17 Class member? Maybe he'll shed some light on the rules.
The NACRA F17 Rules have been derived from the NACRA Inter 20/Inter 18/Inter 17R Rules. The key modifications are that the larger spinnaker is allowed for skippers 210# and larger, that weight of skipper without adding weight have been set at 180# for the small spinnaker and 230# for the larger spinnaker, that weight adjustments are set at half of the difference between skipper weight and minimum (a chart is provided), that a new profile and length of daggerboard is permitted based on NACRA provided template (I'm still waiting on the template), and that the new NACRA F18 rudderblade is permitted.
Les,
Thanks for the info.
Exactly what does the 'new' F18 rudderblade look like?
Is it bigger?( I suspect)
If so, where?
And the reference to d-board length. Which way is it going?
regards,
ps. I have been in Tampa since Friday ( July 16). Hoping to see some local cats out. But, alas, it rained all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and ended Tueday late afternoon. Today is a beautiful clear blue sky, but no wind.
geez!
Bruce
St. Croix
USVI
Bruce,
You can see a photo that shows your current rudder and the new F18 rudder side-by-side. The new rudder is larger.
Daggerboard length is going to be about 8" shorter with a leading edge profile similar to the F18.
Hey Les,
Do you have a link to these photos>
To clarify, this new design d-board and rudderblade,...they are designed for the Nacra F-18,....yes?
thanks for the update on the I-17 (ok,...the F 17).
..by the by,...the F stands for 'formula',...yes?
regards from Tampa ( sunny and HOT)
Bruce
St. Croix ( and going North Les, in about 2 weeks )
US Virgin Islands
http:/
This is the link. Click on the 1-20-04 article, "New rudder info". I just had brain fade 
!
Attention all NACRA 17R owners!
INCA has just informed me that they are requesting all NACRA 17R owners that are thinking about attending Performance Race Week in Tybee Island, GA this October to send an e-mail to INCA [INCA@speednetllc.com] and provide the following information:
Name
Sail Number
Skipper Weight
They will respond to your e-mail address with information important for the Class.