Certainly... that is why class exists at all.... People agree that X class is an acceptably level playing field.... especially because sailing is so complex that skill, and course management are essential factors of the game. Within this weight band... its worthwhile to play even though weigh matters.

When your team weight gets outside of the band... 1) you know it...and 2) you accept the challenge and go racing. So at the rank an file level... every team makes the decision... is it fun or worth while to race if I am outside the general band. BUT...You will scream bloody murder if the RC or fleet won't go racing when the wind is up and the field tilts in your favor.... or only schedules events or shows up for events in light air venues.

Now you see how the class decides on minimum crew weights, Wind speed minimums and maximums. When you legislate the playing field by putting a min crew weight you can keep more people in the class. Never underestimate the psychology of finishing a leg behind in a light air race to some featherweights... It may only score as one place behind ... BUT... you will not do that often.. Min crew weights regulate this a bit.

The other solution is to build overpowered boats for light air regions. The original nacra f18... the Inter 18 was sold in the the US with a taller carbon stick because Nacra thought it needed more horsepower for the light air sailing regions plus min crew weight. The N20 followed that trend.... overpowered narrow boat with min crew weight.