I know the CompTip issue pops up every now and then and I respect all the verbiage expounded in previous threads over the years.

However, from a strict liability side, I can't believe that HCC lawyers still think that they are less exposed to litigation from literally thousands of third, fourth and fifth generation metal mast Hobie owners, than those who might race.

They apparently felt that they had done diligence in their responsibility to owners of the older boats years ago when they cancelled the gratis upgrade program. Since there haven't been a multitude of those boat owners frying themselves, not to mention the same scenario for owners of other brands of sailboats, it really seems that HCC should step up and provide CompTips to wannabe racers who don't have the "golden" part if they want to cling to their ban.

Otherwise, drop the exclusion and add to the rules that only boats delivered without a CompTip may use a metal one. That would prevent someone with a newer boat from fitting an old mast for a perceived advantage. And...God knows that those old boats will be hopelessly uncompetive anyway.

Of course this goes against the Hobie Doctrine which is virtually cast in stone.

It doesn't make sense for HCA-NA to have to pay for this, even if they have all this money to spend.

In fact, I don't think Hobies from outside North America have to have CompTips, do they?

Also, I think if you want the old boats to come out (doubt if HCC would be thrilled about that either) then they might need separate class or a class within the fleet to make it interesting. Not unlike the Wave option of two classes within one fleet, if we were to get to that point.

Still, this is a worthy discussion. Just my point of view though.