Patrick,
You hit the nail on the head, the difference between IWCA OD and IHCA OD (keep SMOD out of it for now), is the issue of tailoring sails to the sailor. IHCA sees this as having the potential to create an arms race, driving up the costs (this happens in other classes all the time). IWCA sees it differently.
I'm not taking sides here, just pointing out the philosophical difference.
The real question is, how do we resolve this to move forward?
Mike
This is a difference and I do try to understand each side. I look at it like every sport cost money. To be at the top or wanting to get there costs a little more. Examples might be motocross. You could buy a stock bike and go out and race, but to keep up you might need a new pipe or new knobby's. If you ski raced I am sure you probably need new skis and boots every year. And if you raced sailboats i am sure you would need new sails at least every other year whether they be stock or custom. I am as poor as anyone I race against and I do not see this as an arms race. All told I have invested no more than $4000 in boat sails and trailer. I also see no need to invest any more because there is nothing to get to make it go faster. It is all relative and I do try to look at all sides but I am afraid I am biased because of the close racing I have seen with the aftermarket sails.
Would it be a possibility to have a regatta where the sailors rotate boats so they can experience any differences?? I am more than willing to do that to let people see for themselves.
Patrick.
