In article ,
says...
The Apis is a clean looking ship from the pictures that I have seen.
Is it considered and ultralight?

Not in the USA. Take a look at their website: www.apisgliders.com

Is there a preference to fly a more substantial machine that has more
mass and structure for comfort and safety?

I wouldn't expect the comfort to be any better, just because it's
heavier. Safety is a broader question, but I'm assuming you are asking
about crashworthiness, since you mention structure. Without some
actual crashes, or some careful testing, it's hard to compare such
dissimilar gliders as the Apis and, say, the Ventus or ASW 27.

How does an ultra light design compare to a german 15 meter design?

Are reynolds numbers better for smaller or larger wings?

I have been quite curious about the Apis as a motorglider (no tow
plane here on this Island "Kona") as my threshold of pain for money is
a bit shy of the current ASH 26E / DG 808M / prices... although quite
beautiful works.

Assuming you are in Kona, Hawaii, I'd suggest the Apis, Silent, Russia
AC5M type of motorglider would be well suited to the island, and that
the 18M gliders would be lots more glider than useful. An ASW 24 E
might also be satisfactory - more glider, but less motorglider.
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Eric Greenwell
Richland, WA (USA)