There is NO internal issue within HCA that I am aware of that amounts to a conspiracy to outlaw spinnakers for youth sailors in the US.
The main issue has always been this: There is a strong majority of Hobie 16 sailors that don't want the 16 class to go the way of the 18 class (multiple platforms, splintering the class to its demise). THAT is why the H16 spin is not an approved class for adults.
HOWEVER, the class STRONGLY supports the use of H16s with chutes for youth. The IHCA class rules allow for this rig to be used for youth events (within specific guidelines), and I personally would love to see tons of these showing up at points regattas to train our youth for major international events.
Mike
Actually when we asked North American class members this question a few years ago the overwhelming majority was NOT in favor of spinnakers on Hobie 16s for the youth at class events for the exact reasons you mention. I would still prefer to see the Youth MH Champs in a standard Hobie 16 after all it’s what most of the existing youth multihull sailors actually race.
