This is merely someone's successful attempt (so far) to "take advantage" of an apparent loophole in the rule which was passed specifically to outlaw "lifting" boards, which at one time were being utilized by a few sailors to gain an advantage. In that case they were canted straight boards (I believe also asymmetric?). They offered a clear advantage but would have, it was felt, obsoleted all the current boats and increased costs considerably, neither of which was felt to be in the class's best interests at that time. Ben's wing shows promise- very fast on reach and quick downwind. But if it ever becomes a big advantage then, I agree, there will be either a "Super, open A class" and something like the current one, or wings will be outlawed. Remember "Wild Turkey"? The winged 18 sq meter? Totally killed the thriving open 18 sq class within a year. And wings are even "retrogradeable" but they are such a PITA!! Need special trailer (see pics of Ben's on various sites) and several people to assist raising/lowering which Ben did almost immediately upon hitting shore and didn't raise until time to leave beach. If you capsize and it gets water in it <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> As mentioned, this is a "loophole" that will likely get closed at next class meeting. In the "A" history there are multiple examples of "special boats" being built for the World's which have, sometimes, proven very successful and if felt "bad" for the class the rules were changed and they disappeared- The reason there is a minimum weight rule is due to some well healed persons building flyweight, essentially "disposable" boats for the World's. Won too- so bingo! minimum weight rule passed. In fact the Flyer itself when it debuted at the World's was "new" and guess who had a large hand in designing that one and sailed it in it's first World's to great effect?? Right! Nils Bunkenburg! Class couldn't figure out how to outlaw a hull shape so now almost all boats since have been an attempt at modifying/improving that shape-- must have been pretty good since a Flyer2 won this year!
