Hi All --wow so many excellent knowledgable comments -
2 types and categories may be used within a F-14 class group to include all boats within set 14,3 length limit, all can start together and simply be awarded seperate class category trophies ,---its the little 14s the fun class
-Category One for many practical reasons as noted would be based on existing production cats like the Mystere 4,3 or Bob,s H-14 version with limits on mast and sail area to include all types and a little added to avoid brand favoritism .
The other sub F-14 category within class would be the open rule as proposed for lightweight and more experimental types to have fun with . This is the fun interesting aspect of this class as Carl B noted with the offer of 450 sq ft w spin . This would be fun ,isn,t that what the class should be all about? If someone else wants to fly two large spinakkers off each bow and sail straight downwind ,who cares ? It would be great fun ,-what would you name this double spin configuration?
-- hooters is already taken ,
EU influence > le grand titons spin
add your own here>>
Mike brought up a good pt and potential scenario of just taking an A class highly refined expencive c f 28 ft mast and sail and placing it on a 14. ,-It would be superior in anything less than 8 mph winds but just bury the bows in anything more -capsize and break several things ,-inc crew .--
So mainly in the name of safety , perhaps consider a max mast height for the open class . maybe 25 ft
At this - Bill R brings up an excellent point as always -- Use the already exsisting F-16 size range and just relying on that for the more h t types ,
--but there are good existing 14 ft ht types in existance, a number of sailors have expressed an interest in building one ,-some great boats plans and kits available , a new builder may wish to offer a ht 14 ,- so a category should be provided for them within the F-14 class .
Any cat beyond a 14,3 length has the option of modifying to a F-16 or cutting off hull length ,-think I would opt with a 15 to add a stern fairing plate to extend length to 16 and target those sail areas and F-16 Class specs, though like the thought of building a 14 for the boys to race and working on modifying them together and adding hardware and spin snuffer options
One other note --if spin area needs to be measured in area and rated ,the ISAF rating for small cats is the only one that uses a method of measurement and rating -
For class purposes the ISAF rating should be used as design measurement is required
Pn rating uses a general penalty based on any spin over a brand size like H but no means of rating actual various sizes ---Texel targets basic spin sizes in each Length category then adds a penalty if oversized -
A method of sail measurement is provided
see-
ISAF spin calc.
http://www.schrs.com/schrsdiagrams.asp?id=spinnaker Hope the 2 category idea is helpfull -
No rule will meet the ideal needs of every individual,
but within 2 categories-- [like the A class uses and 18 sq among others } --most all can find what they are basically looking for in any 14 ftr.--Adding more sub categories of numerous weights and sail areas becomes too limiting and confusing .
Those that can not find the ideal cat in this 14,3 max length have a number of options in various length classes and different variations of philophy on the Formula class concept ,from very extensive ridgid limited development to more open concepts ,--the 14s should provide both .
The other option is to go the way of F-18s with 2 seperate distict groups and classes of 14s ,-I would rather see em all together ,just having fun .
