The area qualifier eligibility issue is simply a red herring.

By decree it's a handicap regatta. Why? because it needs to include all of the active racers in the region to award slots.

So, .... to include ALL classes... you need a FAIR handicap system that includes ALL Classes... even those with just one or two active boats.

By tradition, we us the USPN system. The current USPN system... fails the fairness for all test!... If you have brackets around your class... you can't play.... more importantly... the fairness of the rating, once you have removed the brackets is suspect as well.

The solution for qualifiers... is to simply decree that the qualifiers will use SHCRS or TEXEL, two widely used measurement rating systems. My reading of the Area Championship requirements would allow you to do this by simply declaring your pick of the handicap system in the NOR.

The F20 has a fair measurement rating right now and if Mike wins a qualifier... it will be because he sailed his new boat close to it's rating more often then the rest of the fleet sailed their boat to their rating. End of discussion.

My previous comments are simple attempts to patch up the old USPN system by plugging the holes and putting some duct tape over the BS. Personally, times have changed... I believe that we should move on and adopt SCHRS or TEXEL. (Where is Carl Roberts in this discussion giving me **** for changing my position)