[Jeff_H]

I don''t know if you read my post but the point is that the design principles that are pushing the more powerful stern sections and finer bow sections are not derived from "race machines designed to optimize downwind performance surfing in the high wind conditions of the southern ocean." The IMS type form boats are intended to perform well in a wide range of conditions. The same is true of the Volvo 60''s which are heavily optimized for conditions where the wind is forward of abeam, and the big gains in the Volvo race boats are on the upwind legs and not in the Southern Ocean.

The production offshore and coastal cruising boats derived from IMS type form have demonstrated tremendous seaworthiness and motion comfort in a wide range of conditions. Walking around boat shows these days one sees trickle down of these principles being applied in all kinds of cruising boats from companies representing the elite to the mundane and as far flung as Beneteau First series, C&C, Dehler, Elan, Hanse, Morris Yachts, Swan, Tartan, Wauquiez just to name a few. This is not about craming in more berths, it is about creating better sailing boats, boats that are easier to handle, and boats which are more seaworthy and seakindly through a wide range of conditions.

Jeff