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.
The calculator is being revised again now. As Dave points out - the adjustment is to make the formula match the racers results.
The discussion of a formula based system is basically BS. The A class long ago left handicap sailing where they used this, as the correction factor for them was so severe, there was no way they could ever correct out. Note the A class is going strong worldwide without having to tag along with some handicap system.
Currently there is no adjustment in the calculator for curved foils. If this falt in the calculator stands another season (and you think there is an advantage to having curved foils) then this would be a free ratings basher - like they need another one of those.
You guys have a strong class, why is there any discussion about screwing it up for some moving target. I though that was the whole point of a formula/box rule class was to have equalracing in a fleet that was not subject to the whims and problems of the handicap racing.
