Hi Mark
Good to hear from you ,-
We are basically talking about the same thing ,-the difference being how to define racing {classes}-
Which would be more benificial and prefered by catamaran sailors ?.
Pn rated high or low racing classes for all -or
Formula class groups in each Length category for all catamarans to race within .-
Both must be benificial to various boat builders and mfg. and conserve and promote their individual products and existing viable classes within , the Formula group concept achieves this by mainly ISAF definition of design measurement per each class .
Basics of Length Beam Weight Sail area with design measurement in L based race groups.
The P rating definition of class relies on brand class definitions as per example of H-class and H-only parts and sails AS BUILT PER MFG..or its not "class legal"
P rating reinforces the notion of brand only classes by definition , it is totally reliant on brand class concepts and rated brand class times.
Some then would assume P rating take the place of brand class racing it is reliant on for basic definition, this leads to a chicken or egg type arguement, not over which came first but rather which is the cause of decline in the sport or which will renue it, the only options under current conditions.
Neither one, seems to be the result over the last 2 decades.
It is time for more new Formula based race groups to be formed ,-my hope is we can conceptualize a broad all inclusive intergral mutually benificial theme to it with some intelligent pre planning and goal outlines to include all catamarans over time.
Modifying the N A rating system as outlined previously based per ISAF design measurement to establish all preliminary rating numbers ,-converted to numeric scale of theoretic time to distance traveled per Portmouth , then tempered or adjusted periodically per Porthmouth time rating correction factor would be more integral with Formula racing groups defined by ISAF type design measurement with clear definitions and standard measurement proceedures basically replacing time average prelim. rating and a page of one size fits all type modification factors.
The resulting condition of rated racing at local events and the imaginary provided 15 boat scenario suggests that "5 would be left out" ? then not return ,without scoring them all as PN rated class . -again a chicken or egg first opinion /arguement that,-- as per original designer
requires a much more creative solution .
You also mentioned about local regional sailing organizations quote> " They probably don't give a damn about the national implications of any descions they make on running the regatta." <
hmm - Most sailors purchase a boat type ,-be it an A Class cat ,--18 ht ,--Formula 18 --H-Tiger F-18 --Nacra 20 --etc etc -with some expectation of class racing and if desired a regional ,national or world event to attend at the end of the race season, or at least the prospect of somday racing in a major sailing class event .
Local sailing organizations and clubs bring prestigue and membership into their oganization by hosting major class racing events --Like A Class worlds ,--for example
http://a-class.org.nz/photos_2004_worlds_on_the_water.htm or Olympic trials for another.
The expanded Formula racing group categories in each Length and sub category would include all catamarans as outlined in the earlier post in 7 basic L race class groups
including production and experimental or home built boats to Formula class category rules outline ,--as per Formula 14s per example.
Formula 14 16 18 20 single h 18 - open development 18-20
and larger cat category , in each L ,and sub categories as needed to include all types. We are half way there now, why not outline and construct benificial Formula Class group racing coordinated per NAMSA and in accord with ISAF definitions to include all over time as goal .
ISAF defines boat classes in two basic categories -
B.1.1. Production boats
A production boat belongs to a registered class or to a registered type.
The qualification of registered class or registered type requires the following conditions:
To respect the safety requirements of the government having jurisdiction;
To produce a minimum of 10 boats;{built in existance}
To have published class rules which include data as follows: (effective for new types after 01/06/2001)
WS - Minimum sailing weight.
CM - Maximum mainsail area.
VLM - Maximum VLM.
CJ - Maximum Jib Area.
VLJ - Maximum VLJ.
CSPI - Maximum Spinnaker area.
CB - Maximum Board area.
VLB - Maximum Board depth below hulls.
B.1.2. Non-production or experimental boats
A non-production boat is any boat which does not belong to a registered class or to a registered type. A boat built as a registered boat but which is modified in such way that she contravenes her class rules will be considered as a non-production boat.
end ISAF boat class definition
Does rated racing of any type really compare to class racing?-Will high low Pn rated racing ever hope to replace the great class racing Hobie once provided having 75% of the total market in past decades with huge numbers , much less ever really attract H sailors to switch over and race p handicap . Add the numerous others that purchase a class boat with the intent of good class racing of fairly equal similar L boats and the prefernce of sailors and organizational structure to increase partisipation become clear.
ISAF states ->>Whilst it is accepted that the ideal Rating system is one which uses historical results, a Portsmouth Yardstick type system, it has proved difficult to obtain sufficient data to validate such a system around the World. The SCHRS enables new designs to be rated quickly, and allows International regattas to take place with a common handicapping system for many types of Catamaran.
The purpose of these regulations are to enable trampoline multihulls of various types to race together on a comparative basis, and to protect the interests of the owners in keeping development under control without hindering further research.
It is recognized that one-design and level rating are generally a more realistic test of sailing skill. For events organised under these regulations, organizing authorities may consider separate arrangements for one-design or level rating classes present in sufficient numbers.
http://www.schrs.com/ Take care Mark , oh ya
you mentioned OCRA - GREAT GROUP .
Many of us regionally sailed extensively in the former now defunct H Div 10 , throughout Ohio Mi Wis Ill and Canada, Many of the Mystere 4,3 sailors regionally will be involved and seem to support the new Formula 14 class wholeheartedly.--
They are already planning the first F-14 class event at the Spring Fever regatta !!
A precursor of several more Formula L group classes on the way , with its fun creative intent ,interest and enthusiasm it brings ,-to most casual observers it seems clearly the future direction of cat sailing
