TOPIC:

There is an interesting post by a statistically minded person on the Yachts & Yachting website analysing the major handicap events so far this year.Although the author says the results are not statistically significant except for Phantoms, they indicate that the Merlin & Phantom have very favourable numbers and the Laser is treated badly!
I have very good friend at Lyme who has a Merlin and a Laser - I have never beaten him when he sails his Merlin and he has never beaten me in his Laser.
Perhaps the Albacore has a "Goldilocks" number - not too hot & not too cool!