Hi Mark

Reinventing Portsmouth ? hmmm ."{a high quality dynamic competition could be created. Rather then competing in so so "} --
Sounds like what you are attempting to descibe already exists in large Formula class racing groups in numerous areas internationally.--
It is great that you recognize this is what needs to occurr,-The question now becomes how best do we form larger class racing groups and direct a better future integral racing structure and organization.

Handicap racing using averages of skippers times in class as a basis to score all is inherantly less accurate and inferior applied to major races and distance races .-Portsmouth also was never intended for distance races . Good class racing is the ideal form of fair racing . We have numerous classes and many new Formula class groups to choose from . Each fit individual needs and preferances with minor rule variation per class and length category.

As Formula CLASS GROUPS GROW in N A --Formula 18 -Formula 16 --Formula 18 HT --yes Formula 20 ,--possibly F-20HTs -F-17 SINGLE HANDED SPIN ,-and evan 22s in the future as category for all over the next few years to 10 years which is inevitable if the sport is to grow again .
The question becomes how does this integrate with Portsmouth handicap rating and this type of reinvent scheme. Just calling it something different does not really address the problem.An integral system of racing class groups and scoring system in the obvious direction the sport internationaly and finally here in N A is directed,--is needed.Large category class groups by numerous competitive builders per Formula classes -A class and numerous other established classes , this creates better design and safer faster boats for us all --no question .

Given it may be 2-3 or 5 years away but,----

How does Portsmouth help this ?? -it ingrains the status quo of mfg. dead boat classes.
How best can we in N A integrate international racing class groups and update our rating system to compliment this categorical race groups direction.

Formula class groups are finally under way this year . Worlds will be held soon in N A for them generating more and more interest ,along with As -single handed spin class cat interest , Great new distance races are being held and more planned .
N A as a world leader in so many areas of human endeavor should readily accept these recognized length weight based categorical Formula Class groups and integrate a compatable integral rating system to assist and help the sport become great and accepted internationally .

We can stop being seperatists in the international catsailing community and accept that others have great catamaran racing and organizational concepts that work well. We can adapt very similar integral versions for use in N A .-- both class groups and improved intergral rating system.

Portsmouth timed yardstick rating is appropriate for smaller club racing along with individual handicap type racing based on membership in group and their comparitive abilities.

The reality is most people are just so happy to be out sailing they could care less how it is scored , place me in that category unless it is a major distance race or major race event .. This is the distinction we in N A need to make .
What type of racing -scoring is appropriate for the type of event .


Understand Portsmouth is using Texel and ISAF rating numbers to help establish preliminary rating numbers , so how far away is integrating a combination rating system ?
It is part way there ALREADY !!.

Outline for a combination rating system T I P catamaran rating is posted . Would be pleased to help develop this type of integral rating with any sincerely interested.
Texel base rating ,-attributes of ISAF rating applied for spin and other updates ,-and proposed Portsmouth rating to be factored into the equation along with an added upper windspeed category and applied rating .
The genius of this rating is any boat can easily modify or update their boat and target the same rating number as Formula class in length .
Accomplished with accuracy and integral with growing formula class -development class,-and with established exsisting class oriented ideal fair forms of racing .

Lets review --{" a high quality dynamic competition could be created" } --
It already is created ,----- we need to recognize it and the obvious direction the sport has taken . It is all there for us to build something of real value for the future.
We in N A can certainly improve and develop these ideal racing groups and integral rating system .

This needs to be our goal , in larger context ,sailing ,-including catamaran sailing is very much an international sport ,-often taking place on the worlds oceans and international waters. The world we live in always becomes a better place when we interact in kind with others.

Interested to read your vision for the future of the sport in N A and internationally.

All the best
Carl