So I'm reading at Cat Racing News something about "all spins illegal"... Couldn't quite get the drift of what they're talking about. Can anyone clarify what the World Council decision was about spins?

I think I understand the main and jib issues with SI using illegal cloth for sail reinforcements or something. Doesn't seem like that affects most of us, at least us without SI sails.

Now I also read something about "paint" being illegal now... Whats up with that? I was thinking of using an epoxy paint on the bottoms of my hulls cause its much harder than gel coat and would stand up to abuse/trailering/launching better. But that is sounding like a bad idea now! What is the ruling on paint on boards/rudders?

Just looking for some clarification...

Linky: http://catsailingnews.blogspot.com/

Sloan, this has to do with the appearance of cross cut sails, made with two sail cloth materials, technically not in compliance with rule G.3.4.b specifying uniformity of legal sail cloth material. (Personally I am not sure why there is such as fuss over uniform cloth, so long as the cloth is legal, but so be it.

The absolute definition of the rule makes all spinnakers similarly illegal. Why? As specified by the strictest definition of the rules, all F18 Spis include reinforcing cloth at the grommets, and therefore, are technically constructed out of two dissimilar sail cloths.

If the clarification of the rule is anything like other recent decisions, the outcome may be more murky after the necessary ruling discussion that will be forthcoming...If they aren't the most clear, at least, our ruling body is amusing!

Here is the link to the letter.

Letter to F18 Europeans Jury Chair

Sensational journalism from my perspective. A different title could have been "F18 Class Updates Rules" and the story could discuss ambiguity that has been identified regarding the reinforcement cloth used for spins as being constructed out of more than one material.......boring! However, that does not get readers' attention.

Thats what it looked like to me too. I was more concerned with the "no paint" comment since my boards and rudders are painted and I'm considering painting the hulls as well.

I guess the Cat Racing site is trying to emulate SA...

The issue is quite serious, the world council has decided to change class rules without understanding the impact of their actions.

They have been advised by well informed sources that their actions would be ill advised and yet they went ahead with the changes regardless.

For example, there are quite a number of boats in the fleet that have been painted and with this new rule they are currently not considered F18's anymore!! The class did not consider the effects of the rule when it comes to refurbishing an older boat, So now you can only spray gelcoat on it... Micht as well spray lead on the thing!

The sail cloth issues are much the same, there was substantial advice from industry professionals that was clearly contrary to the decisions taken, and now we have this whole thing blow up and the class has gotten itself into a real mess.

I really hope it can be rectified ASAP for the good of all F18 class members.

We could use a bit more clarity and foresight on rules, and a bit more transparency over the process. It seems like 'something happens', no one seems to know what is happening, the better part of a year transpires, then a decision is issued on the rule challenge that lacks the clarity everyone wants.

Simply put: I'd like to see an agenda with topics, forecast discussion, allow a skype dial in (or something when a discussion is open), and then for the ruling body to issue clear mandates on rules changes, and post them in a timely way. That's not too much to ask is it?

If you listen to some of the officers in the Class, yes, that is too much to ask.

Things are not particularly copacetic on the Council right now. I'm hoping that we can work through somethings over the next couple of months...

KARL F - DO NOT open the spray gun or the black paint!!!!

Please return these items ASAP.

There is a lot of pressure currently to achieve exactly what you are asking for. More support will help, but it looks like we will have a review of the process and the recent decisions as well.

Remember, no rule is valid in the class until ISAF certifies it and publishes it on the sailing.org website and that realistically wont be until the middle of 2012 at the earliest. So there is plenty of time for sanity to prevail!

If you don't agree with the recent decisions, let your Class representative know so they can pass it on to the WC.

And if you want more info you can PM me.