Hi Dave

All formula classes have a dispensation rule to help older existing boats fit into a Formula catagory -

Most feel the 346 sq ft version chute is O K on a standard N A 6/0 , but the need to allow similar chute size on other older existing 20s then becomes necessary . Some standard consistant design means needs to be established as applied to this dispensation rule .
The 6/0 has a heavier boat weight ,-heavier mast with added weight in stays and rigging ,-a smaller standard main etc as design reasons to compensate this older design with larger chute . Once the 6/0 was modified in other ways it would then need a 300 sq ft chute or 270 sq ft chute per boat weight catagory ,-but would then modify as many other aspects of the boat they wished to max specs per rules outline. This version would most likely be a potentially lighter faster safer more easily handled one .
H-20s have a heavy comptip shorter mast and smaller main as standard ,-they would have a similar option on chute size increase to some extent if requested ,-or could just modify these aspects of the boat under max specs for all boats per rules, again a faster version would be the result.

-Indications are boats that modify will be faster ,but if local class racing is part of the season plans for an individual then this option is ideal , Once the class gets large numbers all these issues will be desided by members vote.Rules were left as open as possible to allow them to develop and be defined by its membership ,-this may be the first issue -rule defined in more definative terms using design .

Ideally Performance would designate a 300 sq ft chute for the class 6/0 ,-but Formula is very accomodating to all 20 -8.5 beam spin cats that want to race together .If a 300 sq ft class version was designated any version 6/0 -Express original or others could all race ,-or improve any aspect of the boat to max specs ,-in this scenario .

It-gets a little confusing,-class rules which are all over he place and inconsistant between each other ,but all boats can have the same maximum sail areas under Formula rules .
Again this dispensation only applies to older existing cats .

Hope all the great folks at NEMSA and all major sailing clubs fleets groups and event organizers will consider adopting this for use and get involved in Formula racing in all length classes .

Happy Holidays
Carl