"catsailor1,"
I'm aware of the history of the Bim's, and frankly, I have no real gripes about racing against any Bim currently built. Those boats would probably be grandfathered with the new rules... so where's your gripe? What research is there.
Re. the new boats: What really ticked me off is you saying there's some sort of "prejudice" against Bim. Again, I ask you, where did you get that stuff? And again, I reiterate that Bim and Bim's rep. DID NOT choose to give their standpoint until just now. They chose to ignore requests for info. on whether they had new designs forthcoming. All of the other manufacturers participated in this planning, and Bim did not take this opportunity. I'm sorry, but what is the class supposed to do, wait on a manufacturer on the off chance that they decide to do something?
That said, Personally, I support grandfathering the Bim16 and the Jav16... this would protect Bim's investment. Stuart, others, I'd say the same for you.
Once they redesign, they will be fully aware of the rules, and should have no rational reason for "needing" a bigger mast to make their boat fast enough to be competetive with the other designs.
How's that for compromise?
Michael Coffman
T4.9#32