Good point, I'm certainly open for discussion on this aspect.

The reason I limited width is actually the same reason why length and total sail area is limited. Just to have some measure of equality between boats. Choosing length, width and area is arbitrary anyway as going longer, wider or larger is not really development; it is simply going bigger.

Development is making the most of what you have. The only concern here is of course that the rules that are present are not overly restrictive and thus actively force a particular setup.

Personally I believe that the length restriction on the hull is an implitely width limit already as beyond a length/width ratio of 2 you'll start to push your bows under anyway. So indeed an unregulated width is a viable option. Maybe we'll find that the best ratio is 1.85 or something. That would be an interesting find a well.

Wouter