: Jim,

: Normally an athlete would never change right before a big race but the new
: boat is very similar to the one that Nathan won the worlds in last year.
: We kept the basic hull shape and modified the deck to reflect the new ICF
: rules. Some of these change are cosmetic some are to make the cockpit more
: comfortable.

Now for the big question:

Did Nathan use it today in the heats? (1st place Heat #1 of the 500m, 1st place, heat #5 of the 1000m). If he did, it's certainly off to a good start.

If you have near the success with this boat as was so widely copied in the Hawk, Eagle, and Eagle II and can then keep control of the design I look forward to seeing Van Dusen boats leading the field once again. whan I first got into a Van Dusen K-1, I was already 2 years into my retirement from international sprint racing, and first time out laid down the fastest 200m of my life. Wish they'd been around way back when!

Jeff H