[quote] But to take a bunch of existing boats and bastardize them to try and make them equal will only lead to even more bickering[/end quote]
Hi Jake
strange definition you use -}-bastardizing }--the 6/0 has been modified several times by the mfg. -There is the express version with sq top main ,-the original version with self tacking jib ,--at least two were built with C F masts .--we used the 450 sq ft shutes on 6/0s in the Worrell in 98 -99 .
There is a C H version 6/0 and several use a 270 sq ft chute on them ,-and we have a group with 348 sq ft shutes .
There are numerous rig and gear set up variations as well --
Maybe it is just this type of rhetoric and misinformation along with attitude that {bastardizes }the sport .
A HANDICAPPING system based on times of skippers in a class can only reflect that --which is those skippers comparitive ability nothing more .--
If we placed Alex and Nigel -Steve and Kenny -Brian and Jamie --and other top teams on 6/0s the results would be much the same .
No offence to 6/0 sailors but the skill levels are different ,-not that much in the boats .
Per example --Dave and I WON THE SPRING FEVER REGATTA LAST YEAR --on the Inter 20 --Matt and also Randy S WERE ON NEW jAV 2S ,--WE ALL arrived at the weather mark together but they sailed better downwind staying in the dying breezes better .--
The hype from then on appearing in magazines etc was the Jav is faster ,--well its not when sailed by equivalent sailors ,--I,m not Randy or Matt ,-two of the best in the world ,---
WHAT DOES YOUR precious P RATING REALLY DO ??
Adding reef systems or an improved stronger rudder system ,-or adding gear and hardware placement systems for spin snuffer systems makes them safer --SAFER .-
its not bastardizing --
THIS IS THE REALITY -and why so many consider handicap racing a joke .
It only reflects skill level of those recorded in class at the time --nothing more
If you want an artificial handicap --this is fine but be honest about it -
and don.t try to use rhetoric to misinform others from establishing better forms of racing .
Formula is certainly a better alternative for distance racing --
Please recall the disatisfaction during distance races earlier this year ,-now some types are excluded from distance races like the Texas race as a result --what does this accomplish ?
Keep your H C racing for local club buoys racing --an individual H C system would be actually better but P is fine in that application .--
It is obviously not intended or suited for distance racing so lets get this aspect corrected for the betterment of the sport .
