An Isotope is light but all stress loads are kept in check. If you compair them to a H-16, H-17, H-18, they may not be bulletproof. I honestly think they get a bad rap when someone purchases a 10 to 20 year old boat then hits the mighty blue in above 15 knot winds without upgrading rigging, sails, or gear. There are old boats that still race and win that do not flex in waves.

By the way Isotopes run with a total 185sq ft of soft sail that can be in the jib or main. We feel that this rule allows for experimentation. Several sailors switched to squared topped sails with different levels of success but as a fleet we decided that the sails were within guidlines and the sailors deserved any added performance without any handicapping. I read page after page on legalities on what makes sails legal. I think that offering a TOTAL square footage could offer more options for the Formula classes. Maybe the last thing they need is more options.



Oh hey, I agree with you Frank and Rhoda are the greatest.



J.P. the Terrible

Isotope 186