Pardon me for not jumping into the F18 forum and doing the same, but you see, I don't own an F18 so I really don't care what their rules are, even if we are racing together.
I don't know about the rest of you F16 sailors, but I refuse to allow some outside class to tell us what our rules should be. If they want to put it in the sailing instructions, fine, but if we have the same P number Sloop or Uni, I see no reason why we cannot switch when ever we feel like it, and for what ever reason, and without asking permission from a bunch of F18 Nazi's to do it.
To get back to the original question that started this thread;
Karl, I have no problem with you leaving your girlfriend on the beach if she doesn't want to go out, and I won't protest you if you do, no matter what the wind.
OK, lets not throw mud around....
I'd like to ask some simple questions and I'lll provide the answers I would expect if I was racing at "an important handicap open" in the UK (i am sailing a Tornado)
1, The wind has changed, can I change my mainsail for one that is more appropiate for the conditions
UK answer; No, you started the regatta with this sail, as you know, you cannot change equipeemnt during the regatta unless it is damamged
2, My crew does not fancy sailing today, can I change him for another one?
UK answer; Nope, there is no good reason for a crew change; mutiny is not a good reason
3, My crew has broken his arm, can I change him for another one?
UK answer; Please apply to he OOD in wrinting as per standard procedures; you will be granted this request.
Now in THIS EXAMPLE, would you expect the same answers in the US or any other locale?
Now similar questions.....But I am now sailing an F16
1, The wind has changed, can I change my mainsail for one that is more appropiate for the conditions
UK answer; No, you started the regatta with this sail, as you know, you cannot change equipeemnt during the regatta unless it is damamged
2, My crew does not fancy sailing today, can I change him for another one?
UK answer; Nope, there is no good reason for a crew change; mutiny is not a good reason
3, My crew has broken his arm, can I change him for another one?
UK answer; Please apply to he OOD in wrinting as per standard procedures; you will be granted this request.
4, I would like to take a crew as its got real windy and I do not want to sail single handed.
UK answer; Nope, there is no good reason for a crew change(adding one), or an equipment change (adding a Jib and trap wire).
5, My crew has broken his arm, may I sil in single handed mode......
UK answer (by the book): Nope, there is no good reason for a crew change(removing one), or an equipment change (removing a Jib and trap wire). However you may sail with a substiture crew if you aplly in the ususal way.
UK answer I'd expect you to get from the F16 fleet if you were sailing at an F16 event, but you would probably be subject to a vote by the other sailors in the fleet: Yes, you can, shame its now blown up windy, you'll have a lot of fun, as you don't usually sail single handed, we'll keep an eye out for you.
Mine's a pintNone of this is anything to do with the F16 rules, it is ALL covered in the standard SI's.
