Thanks Jake -
and again hope you write more about the race experiences and adventures encountered ,-liked the singing part .
your right about an {open class} as per 87 88 W-1000
the only limit was 20 length ,--that can wait until future years -Lighterweight HT type 20s will have to wait until this class is available ,or as interest builds for it again as per earlier years .
seperately ,-as per current rules evolving ,-a production 20 class of proven existing 20s with a general set of max specs. and rules applied for all ,-based on the I-20 -with min boat weight 390 is the ideal way to race this event as a first across the line wins format,---add class categories as well .
The F-20 rules outline uses a larger graduated spin size for heavier boat weights ,just as other F-classes use applied to crew weights -the production 20 class can also accomodate brand classes within for awards ,-but like the idea of beach starts per finish position ,as you did this year -Rick finished within seconds of leg honors ,-and beat the Semp team on an I-20 on actual time - If a 6/0 or H-20 or any 20 wins a leg they deserve the pole position on the start the next day ,-that has always been an intrisic part of the race -
If a F-18 class has entries next year a seperate start for them would be required ,-but start them an hour earlier on average to compensate for overall speed ,-Think the average design equation is 10% per ft ,-so on av 20% more time ea leg ,-a 5 hour leg = 1 hr av ,--this would vary greatly in real life as the 18s would be almost equal in upwind higher windspeeds .
The only I-20s to beat Rick and Brandy on actual time were Tybee and Castrol -who will beat most any distance racing 20 due to their years of racing experience and living in year round sailing environments FL .to race and train in .
We could see a number of 20 ft cats racing with basically the same boat weight range and sail areas ,-it would as always and the race still get down to who prepared trained and sailed best --regardless of boat ,-as it should be ,--The Formula approach to 20s just allowes more options as to reef systems and set up for safety and speed in offshore distance racing and provides a standard set of boat specifications and basic equal rules .-
Full disclosure of all modifications before the race so all teams know what is allowed or not allowed and how others are set up is a key feature that allowes all team to make the same or add the same set ups if they desire .
It will take a few 20 sailors getting their particular 20 set up and actively racing and entering in the 500 or 1000 next year ,-I,m sure the race organizers will accomodate the wishes of 20 sailors ,-note most resistance is from non distance racing sailors that have no intent of racing or know how extreme and physically demanding the race is -
Safety and allowing reef systems and good righting and other modification should be number 1 .
Thinking of racing with one of my sons next year -just 13 ,--youngest entrant ever by far ,-but will not unless the 20 can be set up with a main reef system ,-and other safety features .--Would like to try a different 20 platform --one of several 20 platforms possibly ,with a similar CF mast and matching sq ft sailplan of the Inter ,-think it would be a superior 20 in waves and chop, basic ocean conditions particularly than the Inter with its flat wide bow sections that often pound in seas. It would also be an easier ride.
A H-20 was sailed really well in the 98 W-1000 by the younger Aussie team , a number of others would or could be modified or built for the race per rules outlined including the FOX or improved version ,-an ARC 20 would be fantastic -
The Mystere 20 was sailed in the 98 99 races very well -
A nacra 6/0 platform with mod sail plan would be a great boat for this race ,-There are a number of good EU built 20 ft cats or any 19 could be modified to 20 ft with 8.5 beam as well .
Hope to put one together and race it during the season in a few distance racing events ,-still unsure which 20 ,still have the I-20 and a H-18 and SC15 --all great cat designs and products I would be happy to race on any production 20 set up properly for the 05 race .
