http://www.naf18.com/F18rules.htm web add. for the N A F-18 -well done guys ,
For those interested it may be worth wading through and reviewing specific rules and reasons for them, and the potential application to the F-20s -
We should also review the iF 20 RULE and then set up a similar rules specifications in proper form and wording along with a new web site ,- Attention to the variation from iF 20 is needed for use in the US ,-but with the potential of becomming an extention of the iF-20 -
{If not in exact rules then spirit anyway }
International relations,-sailing comradery, and great competition are one of the more enjoyable aspects of the sport of sailing,-also important is ISAF recognition as a NA FORMULA 20 CLASS.
We have a different set of existing conditions -existing boats ,and need for more flexability in reworking boats and including more within similar specifications within a Formula concept desired.
specific areas of interest are -
18 rules B-1 Floatation -
The F-20 should add a similar floatation rule,
the instalation of air bag through existing ports is simple .
under measurement rules the 18s prohobit some materials used in building ,--the minimum boat weight requirement makes this unnecessary.The rule intent is to eliminate expensive materials ,-but why use them if weight would have to be added back in in other areas to meet current min 389LB .
Minimum mast scantlings are needed though to eliminate the occurance of mast failure such as the A Class currently experiences --remember 20s are often used in the more extreme 1000 mile races and need to be seaworthy in these conditions-A min. mast section and weight matching the current I-20 seems within safety tolerances though can be broken in extreme conditions as any type mast can .
F-20 rules state this intent and will add the min.dia. section measurement and min.weight.per existing iF-20 rules.
The watertight mast aspect is a given ,but should be added as well.
The crossbar restriction inF-18 is an interesting one -
only straight crossbeams can be used with minimum camber to them ,---the only reason for such a rule would be the prospect of using a very flexable {weak} beam that when loaded down would spread and potentially increase total measured beam boat width.-
Such a feature would be deemed unseaworthy and eliminated -
Adopting the same rule would be a mistake as it eliminates for the wrong reason beautifull functional crossbeams as used on the H-18 for example . --unfortunate in the F-18 class. There may be a better way to write this rule .
Board and rudder draft may be added , Max. cant is proposed at 10 degrees of verticle , this should be a topic of more discussion .the 18s eliminated angled boards beyond hull cant .
Rigging is limited to max spin hoist ,-this limits stays and rigs to similar set ups with wire rigging ,
If improvements can be made inexpensively though I,m for them .
Stay adjusters are an interesting topic , Supercat uses them as standard equipement as a righting system .
This leaves the door open for adjustable systems,--also while racing ,-a topic for more discussion ,but I,m in favor of having the adjustment allowed and being able to make righting easier as well, a great added safety feature .
The F-18s use a very long list of crew weights to spin jib sizes and corrector weights in categories -
The N A 20s eliminate this -
The NA F-20 is suited to larger crew already having much larger sail areas than 18 ,and 15 sq ft more than iF 20 s mainsails and larger spin as well in 2 of 3 categories ,-we just use 2 categories of boat weight to spin jib area , A-270 spin and 53 jib -or a 300 spin and 60 jib with 30 more Lb boat weight , and also a third category under dispensation allowing older existing boats the larger NE size spin chosen .
Getting ISAF recognition once a class group is formed .
an unofficial class per members until then will suffice per event or local club rules per sailors -
Class measurement officials and filling F-20 Class Assoc.positions are needed .
My appologies for often posting here on topics in an unorganized manner ,-they are often just little more than brief thoughts during breaks in the day ,thinking out loud so to speak, on Formula and related topics .We will keep plugging away on NA F-20 -its a matter of time and persistance .
All potential F-20 sailors out there interested please get involved ,add ideas and hopefully volunteer your skills to build a NA F-20 class ,-
Some earlier drafts of the iF-20 were proposed ,-we will pull those up next and update them for 04 and use .
Add your thoughts and idea concepts -
Happy Holidays
