As you may see on another thread, my F16 questions have been pretty much answered to my satisfaction..... However I respectfully disagree with the below points.
The class would most likely benefit if some members did, because it would easily be shown that the small amount of weight saved did not make them appreciably faster (but it might make the boat better handling).. ...We instinctively look at the boat as the reason for the speed, but as has been explained on these forums, it is the sailor and the sails that make the boat faster than its class competitors. A rock star would know that
The sailor is the most important factor and good sails as opposed to blown out sails will make a bigger difference then several kgs in boat or crew weight........ however platform weight, crew weight and weight aloft is also a very important aspect with regards to putting together a competitive combination as with bullet proofing your boat. This has been both mine and others observations in the F18 and Tornado fleets where boats and sailor skills are very close in performance (and the skill level is very high) Observations by guys at the top of the fleet to the mid fleet and lower. If anyone doubts it, I would suggest discussing this with the more knowledgeable sailors from the most competitive classes.
Posted in open forum by myself
In a big fleet regatta an extra 18 kg will set you back 30 seconds, possibly more on each downwind leg alone. More so if your crew weight is not down to optimum weight. You will be forced to run hotter angles then the lighter boats and they will just suck down inside you (if they are behind you) and gybe well in front of you. The boats in front will just stretch their lead further..... Hence it will cost you many positions..... Forget time. 30 seconds can be turned into 2 min 30 seconds over the course of a race within a big fleet as each boat passes you and feeding you gas.
I have raced my F18 carrying an extra 18kg of crew weight onboard and watched this happen many times. Then when I am sailing at min weight, the disadvantage is gone and you are doing likewise to the heavier boats.
Upwind also, the heavy boat will not accelerate off the line like the lighter boats (The most important part of the race) and it will not be able to sail with as much height or speed............
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Boat handeling will cost you more boat lenghts then an extra few kgs and training will pay bigger dividense than removing a few kgs from your boat..... However, whether my boat or crew weight is on min weight or not, I will still put work into boat handeling.
Ensuring my boat and crew weight is at min weight, weight aloft is reduced and boat is sound for the job are esential ingredients for boat preperation for any event.
I will take the most competitive platform out there as I do not want to disadvantage myself from the start. Then I would work on my sailing skills to futher my chances.
Yes, enhancing ones sailing skills is much more important, however going into an event without best preparing your boat is not going to help either.
By the way..... I am looking forward to a test sail on the Blade
