I, being of engineering background, would prefer we come up with a formula that measures the boat's sail area, weight, beam, waterline, and pick a -standard- for crew wt. and use that. This takes out the variables of wind, skill, luck, etc.
The "new" F18s as you call them are no faster than the "old", what happened is that the due to the competition the crews have gone faster. (Lots of training, races, trim, experience).
The rating system you want is called the Texel Rating, no need to reinvent the wheel.
http://www.watersportverbond.nl/content.asp?me_id=468 (PTP: It was meant as a joke, its only about 7 degrees overhere!
But training will resume Nov 30th, hopefully it will not be freezing too much by then).
