Posted: May 15, 2017 - 05:16 PM
I was unaware of Gunnar's performance nor those of the Nacra in European F16 events. There wasn't a Nacra F16 on the podium at last years worlds; actually the first one was ranked 15th at 2016 F16 Worlds. Again, it is very likely the crew making the biggest difference. I have little doubt the hull shape can perform in a variety of conditions, if built to class legal minimum weight. I would hesitate to call the U.S class "littered" with carbon boats and carbon masts; I only know of a handful of all carbon F16's built and many sail Goodall Vipers, which are production fiberglass boats with aluminum rigs and are well over the initial class legal minimum weight (at 125kg per the new legal minimum weight, that ought to be fun to manage...). The biggest advantage Nacra have with there design are the ability to run C-boards, which I am lead to understand are class legal in the F16f class.
My opinion on high minimum weights is they serve to support production builders and associated techniques and not the sailors necessarily, though they can bring upfront cost down slightly (this fact is often deliberately mis-marketed, buyer beware). I would still rather be on an all carbon 5 year old F16 than a new fiberglass F16 built by any of the builders. The reason is rather simple and well known in many dinghy classes, stiffer, well built boats last longer and carry higher resale value. Then again, I would rather not sail a 16' boat if I have the option of a 18' or 20' boat.
I used Nathan Green via uShip to get my F18 from LA to Annapolis. I wouldn't hesitate to use him again, very professional and got the boat east in one piece. PM or email me for his contact information. He used my trailer when dead heading home from LA which was very economical.
Edited by samc99us on May 15, 2017 - 05:40 PM.