Wouter,

The Alter cup 2009, organized by US sailing will be conducted under the racing rules of sailing.

The latest version of the racing rules will be in effect (hint: RRS 2005-2008 will have been superceded). Do a little homework and read the rules: ISAF class rules can only be modified with written permission of the class (in this case the Hobie Class).

The spinnaker is only allowed under Hobie Class rules for youth events. The class voted no modifying the rules to use the spinnaker for the Alter Cup (not a youth event).

The Hobie Class in North America wishes to maintain the Hobie 16 as a strong and vibrant one design class and to keep costs reasonable. This is the wishes of the vast majority of the active Hobie 16 racers. They do not want the class split by the introduction of the spinaker - and did not want to promote use of the spinaker on the boat at the Alter Cup - and I can understand and support that point of view (despite being a confirmed spinnaker junky).

Chris Green
Chair, Division 6.