>With respect to collecting data... that's fine however it is difficult for the scorekeeper to keep track of what boat is sailing in what configuration. I suspect that the data are scrambled at that point and it will be a long time before we have an estimate on what the big sails and light weight mean at 4 different windspeeds. Till then we need to set some guidelines for scorekeepers so that the ratings have the apperarance of being fair to all.<

Mark, you have pointed out one of the logistical problems with the portsmouth system, HOW results are collected and reported.
Race Committees and Scorekeepers are not experts at Class rules and don't collect anymore information than they need.
If a skipper says they are Class legal and no one complains, that is all they need.
They don't record crew weights.

Another problem is a skewed number because of a limited number of results reported.
This problem is exacerbated when it is a new Class and the majority of their racing is Class racing.
The NAF 18 has worked very hard to promote Class races and many Tigers Class race at Hobie regattas.
Most Class racing doesn't get submitted to the Portsmouth committee.
Skippers who get a lot of Class racing learn from each other and become faster sailors, sooner.
The owner of a Tiger who has to race HC, will be a slower sailor, longer and the results will more likely be sent to Darlene.

It has been said many times, the Portsmouth system works great once it has lots of data to work with.