Bob, et al,

All members were sent the rules. All responses were positive to the proposed changes. Even you, Bob, got the rules from me, and you never joined the class! I'm not sure who you got your information from, but I saw the spinnaker sailed by three different skippers in the last two regattas. It could be sailed just as high as the stock spinnaker, appeared to have the same shape. It did better sailing lower because of the greater sail area...exactly what was intended by increasing sail area for "big boys".

The daggerboard change has nothing to do with width. It is the existing board (N 20 board) but has been shortened and the end of the board rounded off. There is no change to the daggerboard trunks. This modification can be done to the existing boards by the owner. This was already being incorporated prior to the proposed F17 changes and now the rules specifically account for it.

The Michigan guys got together to discuss the F17 Rules last Saturday night. They were universally favored! No objections, period! They have nothing to stand up and shout about because they know these changes help the fleet! Is it a marketing effort, and a good one! Thats how you grow the fleet. The last N17R sold in Michigan was 2002 until this proposed change. After the change, three new boats and 2 others planning for next year. The top two N5.5 Uni sailors jumped on the 17's in the last race on Sunday and both told me they had a lot of fun on it! One of those guys used (and qualifies for) the big spinnaker. Lots of interest in Michigan, and we had 6 N17R's on the starting line this weekend.

Is the change good for the class? Hell yes!
Was the class membership polled on the changes? Hell yes!
Were the members in favor of the changes? Hell yes!