Two years ago, I bought this boat, An International Fourteen from Howie Hamlin after I got dusted at the 2006 Worlds. This was on my own stomping grounds. I've been sailing these things for 12 years already. I put a lot of money and resources into the old boat but I was literally blown away by the speed difference between a Bieker 3 platform and the newer Bieker 5 platform. Granted, a B3 could get around the course just fine, but capable of being competitive with the latest and greatest on an international level? Nope. Uphill - not so much a factor. Downhill - could not even come close speed wise. A finer entry and less rocker. Narrower overall, higher aspect foils, and add the fact that the rig is farther back - it's all working well. Now we have something to compete with. Our first regatta, we were surprised how easy it was to accelerate and maintain our speed. Rigged flawlessly, the boat is frickin awesome. The best I've ever had and I've had many boats before her.
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