Having been in one-design classes where boat weight difference can be up to 30+ pounds, I am wondering how important this is to people.

Also, something I have observed is that as fiberglass boats get older, they tend to get heavier (from absorbing water). And their original sails seem to get fuller (blown out). That combination seems to work well -- heavier boat, fuller sails.

But then the sailor decides he wants to get new sails. The new sails are flatter and sleeker, but they don't have the power needed to propel the heavier boat.

What do you think about all this? Especially, whether you think it is a big deal if your boat is heavier than somebody else's boat in the same one-design class -- or formula class, for that matter.