SL 16: ISAF Youth Cat
Excellent video from ISAF Youth Worlds from Romain and Valentin Bellet.
When designing the RC 16 I had in mind (besides recreation) an entry level spin class for youths, the RC 16 has same dimensions as Nacra 500 Sport for ie, Hobie has also an updated youth cat, the Hobie Max, that competed with the SL 16 at ISAF trials for selecting an official cat to replace the H16.
The ideal is to have SL 16 fleets in every country, but if not possible there are several alternatives for youths to train.
I once exchange some thoughts with Don Findlay, former legendary F18 Class secretary, about having all these boats under a gral type of Formula rule fleet, at least as a parameter to follow, training in any of these cats can prepare locals to race at ISAF Youth Worlds in the SL.
And I think it is possible to stablish some guides in that matter, and with all these alternatives elevated import costs shouldn´t be an issue.
| Specs/Model | SL 16 | Nacra 500 Sport |
Hobie Max | RC 16 |
| Lenght | 4,80 | 5,00 | 4,90 | 5,00 |
| Widht (beam) | 2,32 | 2,44 | 2,50 | 2,40 |
| Mast | 8,00 | 8,23 | 8,00 | 8,00 |
| Weight | 145 | 145? | 146 | 140 |
| Spi | yes | yes | yes | yes |
The Dart 16 has a ‘X’ version with Spi. And the Hobie 16 class for youths also have mandatory Spin equipment. I don´t include it in the list as it was replaced by ISAF as youths multi by the SL 16. All boats mentioned share a similar hull shape and characteristics.
But for sure it can be used too for training and its a class by itself too.
A good example for the need of having alternatives for the SL 16, is that last year in Buzios- Brasil, where the the Hobie 16 is king, ISAF decided to use it as the multi of choice for that Youth Worlds Championship instead of the ISAF preferred SL.
Builders and major classes like the F18 should support youth racing programs to stablish a solid sailor base to support a constant feed to these same classes in years to come.
how come the viper isn't mentioned?
from a F18-perspective that's the coolest F16-class…or am I missing something?
/T
How come you don´t read the blog that much?? look below and found the 'Viper Blast' discussions that were orignated by me saying that the F16 should be the future youth cat.
As current alternatives here I'm talking about cheaper and daggerless boats.
Can you do a more in depth comparison of the boats? Sail area, schrs rating etc?
There is a very good reason the SL16 is the boat of choice and that is the number of boats out there compared to the others you have listed. It sounds like you are associated with a particular builder and so are trying to drive a wedge. You should publish your affiliations.
To anonymous on post #4
Greatest joke ever heard.
If you have been reading the blog you may think I have several affiliations but how come I can be associated with Hobie,Nacra,AHPC, Loaday-White Shockwave, DNA, Mattia and many more at the same time?????
You should review this blog before making Anonymous accusations.
Any reader can tell I promote every brand here, and now I'm doing it with the SL16? where do you read any critic to the SL?
You'd better tell your name and reveal your affiliations-.
Mine are proud Arg F18 class member/founder and builder in Argentina of the RC Catamarans.
Here is when blogs limits anonymous comments…
The boat is not that much important for youth sailors.
For me the fleet quality is far more important.
F18 are not the most modern cats. Despite this this class is the most exciting because of the sailors.
In the same way, HC Championship are very high level regatta for the youth.
More than this ask young sailing on SL & HC : Hobie is more fun. It's not only a legend