I am surprised that at this years World event there was not a single Sedici sailing. A lot of Venti so is there that much difference between the 2 models and how can a good boat like that fall out of favour?

Sedici is slightly more slender than Venti - about 7mm narrower between the shroud 'plates' I think. I've not looked at whether there's other subtle shape differences, perhaps beam is the only major one.

The Sedici is still a good design. Plenty of good skippers are still sailing them.

However if the designer has produced a newer design which has proved itself better why if you are travelling at considerable cost (money and time) would you not want to maximise you chances of winning or at least performing to the best of your ability.

It was not only Sedici against Venti but also Vickers V12 or V11/10, Viss or Kantun etc.

Also sail supplier is a major item, if I'm correct the winning skipper also made his own sails as he found his own cut suited his sailing.

I just wish I had the skills to maximise the performance of my own boats as I suspect any of the skippers sailing in the World's would be faster than me!!!!!!