Can't believe no one jumped in here to clarify, but here's the rub.

Class rule changes are allowed per the RRS, J1.2(9) and J2.2(7). They have to be stated in the NOR and SIs. So, for ANY class, class rules can't be changed at the regatta, skipper's meeting, etc.

Moreover, per the ISAF Regulations, 26.5(f):

"To maintain its ISAF designation an International or Recognized Class shall... Not permit the organizers to amend, suspend or override the Class Rules in the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions for Class events without the prior approval of the ISAF, a Class event being an event initiated and controlled by the Class/Owners Association without any alteration to the Class rules."

Again, not a lawyer, but that seems to indicate the Hobie class rules can't be changed for individual Class events (points regattas, championships) without a LOT of hoop-jumping. Obviously, this is only for the ISAF-recognized Hobie classes (Hobie Dragoon, 14, 16, 17, 18, Tiger).

To me, this is actually a good thing, imagine the mayhem if the rules changed every weekend. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Mike