Well here's the thing Scooby, I was talking about a local club type regatta, not a huge National event or even a Qulifier to a big event. I believe there are more restrictive rules for Championship events. How many of us weigh our boats and get our sails measured at any event but a Nationals, for example.

We don't have many F16 only events, I can only think of one per year. Most of our racing is with several other types, F18's and I-20's mostly, and unless the turnout is very good (not likely any more) we all share the same start, sail the same course, and are scored on handicap.

The F18's were quite vocal about getting the P number lowered for the F16's, and they did, and that number is the same for Uni or Sloop and if they are going to use that, then I see -no reason- why it should matter to change configuration during an open racing, handicap type event.

If it's not a rule in the F16 class, and if it's not prohibited in the Sailing Instructions, I see no reason why we should have to ask permission from anyone when we are racing on P number handicaps.

Now, on the sails themselves, that is covered in the sailing rules as you stated, you cannot change one mainsail/jib/spinnaker for another unless it's damaged.

And on swapping out crewmemebers, you cannot take the fat guy on a windy day and the 8yr. old on a light day, unless as you said, an injury is involved you ask in writing to replace him.

But I don't think the word "Configuration" is in the rulebook.

And Robie, since when is [censored] a curse word? ;^)