As far as I know curved daggerboards for the F18 are not on the agenda.
I think the agenda point is about the observation that in the today's handicap rating systems (e.g. Texel), the form of the boards is not a factor affecting the rating. This is disadvantageous for the F18 when it competes at for instance Round Texel (e.g. Nacra F20, F17).
Over the past few years we have seen the changes in handicap formulae pretty consistently 'hurting' the F18's rating.
Rating committees are 'behind the curve' so to speak on curved boards; that's hurting the F18, and should be addressed a.s.a.p.
The agenda items is pretty vague:
18. To discuss Formula 18 handicap regarding curved Dagger board
Some could argue that the class needs curved dagger boards to better compete in handicap racing. I know it makes me feel unclean to even type that statement but the point is the agenda item is very vague and I'd really like to see what this item really is. As stated though, it's just a talking point at the meeting as you said.
Didn't they just make the F18 rating faster!? If the intent of the curved dagger board discussion is for the International class to go to the various handicap committees and petition that all the curved dagger boats get a rating hit I really think that is is going to fall on deaf ears. I'd also be a little disappointed to find out the IC is getting distracted by handicap racing.
I'll let you in on a little secret regarding handicap ratings... they rate the talent not the equipment.
Oh and the argument that handicap racing results are hurting or helping the class is rubbish! When was the last time a Hobie 16 won Texel? Yet strangely the class survives. Please please please lets not get sucked into the handicap racing vortex.
