Hi Mark -

In the 1987 AND PRECEEDING YEARS OF THE 1000 MILE RACE then called WORLD-1000 the rules were open ,the only limit was 20 ft --there were Tornados entered in earlier years -a Hurrican {similar} from the UK ,-lightweight HT type 20s -CUSTOM CATS --PLANNING TYPE HULLS plus -
a Supercat 20 with wingmast -and 20 ftrs with racks and wings ---GREAT innovations and FUN .

This would have to be designated as a seperate unlimited design class and given a seperate start -by an hour -
I hope we see this in future years for the race -

Next year to increase potential entries and more diverse types of 20s the ideal would be a production 20 or Formula 20 type class all racing off the beach on a first across the checkpoint finish line beach wins with sub brand class categories for awards .

In this type of extreme race most teams begin a year or at least 6 months in advance getting a boat prepared crew racing training etc , Boats are selected and preped for this type of ocean distance racing which most understand is very different from buoys racing ,P rating based on buoys racing or tex or Isaf could be used but is very contrary to the intent and history of the event .
Texel is derived from the similar ISAF but intended for the 600 boat race Round Texel involving 600 very different cat designs of all sizes and design types --If the race were open to all ,-then Tex would make sence ,-however the race organizers and finishers would be 8 or 10 hours on the beach each leg trying to finish slower boats by hours and ajust scores which the media and few really understand well .P rating based on buoys racing for numerous reasons has the same negative application or appeal as applied to the 1000 mile race .-If you attempt the race as partisipant you would understand the preferance for class racing as applied ,-just as class racing is applied to major national world championship events and Olympics ,-A major event and efforts by teams of this agnitude deserve the recognition of individual achievement for sailing excellence as per Brian has recieved as winner of the event and sailor of the year awards . --If another won on corrected time based on very disimilar buoys racing and flaws inherant in all rating systems it would be a travesty to the event and sport as well,-just as it would if used in major championships or Olympics .

As we see in the Formula classes in existance now and in this years race different design 20s are very similar in speed given the same basic max specifications per rules outline . The added partisipation from several different potential boat mfg and international teams is worth making this the rule for future years events along with other added seperate F-18 OR A SEPERATE Unlimited 20 class with seperate start if the entries and interest there . The beaches and hotels can house and support numerous teams in seperate starts for beach access and space available for starts.

Take care Mark -hope the area racing and sailing club is going well and going to have a great sailing season . I do understand why handicap racing is the only viable alternative you have with small diverse groups of cat designs wishing to race at the local and club events ,--hope to get the same going on my small lake ,just more oriented to beginners and kids plus parents with sailing classes this season , though will use an individual handicap system to encourage new people into it

The key being each type of scoring system or class racing applied to its proper type of event or race .