Well Rick, the actual argument that I've heard regarding the "arms race" is that sometimes, equipment or sails can change so fast that if open changes are allowed, equipment becomes obsolete faster than it wears out. This puts a burden on people who wouldn't ordinarily replace their equipment so frequently, because they perceive that they need to upgrade more often just to keep up.

Pre-baby, I would replace my jib every two years, and the whole boat (H16) every four. The main was pretty tired by the fourth season, but the cost of upgrading the whole boat is really only about twice that of a new set of sails, so it makes sense to me. If the H16 class allowed open equipment and sails, sure I might be able to get a cheaper main, but would my old boat be worth as much when I wanted to upgrade? Probably not.

Since we've had Hunter, the boat rarely gets used, but that's another story...

Mary, thanks for the insight regarding the tramps, up to now I thought this was another of those cost saving issues. I know that the tramp issue is difficult, it's not like people are going to be running around with two tramps, so to get IWCA boats at HCA events will require something creative.

Don't forget, we still have a large majority of voting members that strongly feel that loyalty to HCC is in our best interests long-term. Fortunately, HCC doesn't tell us what to do, or threaten to remove support, but lots of HCA members and officers do feel that we don't want to slap them in the face.

I appreciate that others here from other classes may not feel this way, but this is a core sentiment of the HCA and IHCA.

Mike