I was just hoping that this thread might give some ideas and guidance to the F16 Forum.
They could pull on their big boy pants! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
I think it was a big mistake to limit debate (as if one really can do such a thing). Even worse to remove the debate/thread entirely!
I really thought the debate was useful They F16's have a box rule that differs from the F18 rule and the A class Rule, in part because of the market niche each is sitting in.
What happens as the rule plays forward for a class?
Does the law of unintended consequences show up?
The first debate... addressed... would having a large builder at the cost of a heavier class min actually benefit the class with respect to growth.
The second debate.. seemed to address the possible down side of a maxed out boat entering the class. (Sounded to me like a reprise of ... did the ventilo 20 kill the first formula 20 class by dominating and making the other boats obsolete. If yes... what rules would have prevented this.
The F16 guys should remember... We have listend to lots of debates ...
Should the hobie 16 class add a spinaker debate? the EU says yes... the USA says no... the kid's use a spinaker at the ISAF worlds in Kingston Ontario. Strong opinions all around. I learned something about classes and class leadership in listening to this one.
The F18HT class and the F18 class battled for acceptance in the USA and the EU. the proponents spoke loudly about what they thought was important...
So what is relevant to the F16 class today?... Why is this relevant... Well to me it is similar to the current situation where The Capricorn Viper F16 is heavier and more robust looking then the Blade F16. Will this be a decisive factor for the class growth? Will a buyer look at the two boats and choose in a way that undermines the current F16 class.
Opinions are just that. so OK Why would any one care... Well those of us who make races happen DO NOT WANT TO SEE MORE segmentation.
Personally, I am waiting for the SECOND hard wing A class sail to appear on the water and prove to be faster.... now THAT will upset the A class status quo.... and perhaps tear the class apart.
There are things to be learned about how classes and sailors sort through these kinds of issues.
After all... racing is all about agreement... If we don't agree... then we don't have a game....
For example... the AC fiasco points to what a mess develops with no agreement.
