Hi Paul; Nice looking aeroplane!

However, I predict that a tandem-wing design will prove superior under the span-limit-only rule. You get twice the wing area, lots of pitch stability, and ground effect on the forward (lower) wing to assist the rotation when heavily loaded.

I didn't say that a tandem-wing design will win this year's event, but given time for development I predict that a design of that type will establish a record that will mandate that future competitors under this rule must employ a similar design, in order to be competitive.

Just as pattern airplanes tend to all look alike, once the tandem-wing is fully developed for this event, I expect to see several in the ensuing years, until once again the rule must be changed to avoid stagnation of the design exercise.