Matt wrote:
;.... A new big delema for me as most of the racing where I just moved to is no longer 1 design, but portsmouth;

;Portsmouth in general is flawed especially for distance events. ;

;P.S. where can I get one of those 50 gallon coolers to mount on my tramp.;

End of quotes.

That's the spirit... Distribute those drinks from the cooler and persuade everyone that they have the wrong boat... and gee your type of boat would be perfect for them!

Failing that and when everyone sober's up... Realize that the overwhelming number of racing sailors are racing handicap in the USA (PHRF or Portsmouth).

1) Remember that even in the worrell 1000 with the same 1 design boats.... competitors are finishing 4 hours after the leader... Holes are a fact of life!

2) Nobody is pretending that you could race Hobie 16's with spinnaker boats and get accurate results.. Most races group the big boats with spins in a separate division from the little ones so that you don't get skunked by a Hobie 16 while on your Marstrom 20 or vice versa.

I personally follow the this piece of advice from Jim Teeters

Taken from his article on the US Sailing site

"Finding the right rule for you and your boat is much like a marriage. There is no such thing as perfection. you need to review the pros and cons with a cool rationale intellect, yet go with your gut instinct and what looks attractive. There can be a wonderful honeymoon of great racing (winning more than your share) or and abrupt disenchantment (loosing more than...) The rule needs to fit your pocketbook as well as your outlook on sailing and the commitment to racing you are willing to make. In the end, you must be willing to accept the flaws in your choice, adapt your expectations to what is realistic, and work with the volunteers who run it. Finally, embrace your rule with loving arms, for an unfair rating (yours) makes for great bar talk."
Jim Teeters

Great advice in my opinion

Take Care
Mark