Very good post B
Also think the proposed F-14 class rules are too narrow and handicap or exclude other weight sailors ,--and numerous potential types of 14 ft boats .
The class goal should be to include as many people and boats as possible within very general open rules outline
----THEN add more rules if needed .
Suggest proposing an alternate set with no min crew weight rule that would allow female and youth sailors not to have to carry weight ,--WHY handicap them further as opposed to a very capable 150 Lb male skipper.??
Also propose 2 boat weight categories with coresponding sail area to boat weight ratios based on existing boats .
That would encourage numerous other boats mentioned including Carl B -the newer 14 ft boats listed and home built 14s to get involved and race within the F-14 class. It may triple the potential size of a future 14 class .
Add per Myster 4.3 and others the option of an added spin or headsail , have a spin and non spin designation ,--race all together as a F-14 class ,just give a seperate trophy in spin and non-spin category . Again this simply includes more sailors and creates added interest .
I,ve often sailed Interlakes in spin and non spin fleets
no biggy and often beat the spin boats with a rented non spin I L .
This is also the great equalizer for heavier boat weights, a larger headsail and the preference of heavier crew to carry a spin or larger hooter. The Mystere 4.3 is pretty slick .
The wider beam makes perfect sence also -
Suggest some type of interested member class vote or poll on these aspects of the rule ,--think many more will get involved this way
Having a strict narrower class rule has good intent but in this L category of 14s no one is really going to be that obcessed ,--hopefully ,--about some variations of boat weight and coresponding sail area ,or a spin -non spin option for any sailor ,----Include and accomodate as many 14 sailors of all sizes and weights and as many varied boat types as possible ,--then use sub categories as numbers increase as or if needed .
