This is actually one reason why the F16 has the misgirth spi rule.

We didn't want to end up with multiple localized and incompatible F16 classes.

So in the very beginning, we (Kirt Simmons, Phill Brander, John Pierce and myself) looked for the setup that was acceptable to all regions and to all organisations and we went with that.

I think we really did good there as South Africa, Europe and Asia all use ISAF or Texel. And Europe includes the UK this time. Only USA and Aus use yardstick system but of a different kind. Neither system specified how to measure a sail or what a spinnaker of hooter is. ISAF or the other hand did and ISAF (+Texel) is also the organisation that trains and maintains measurers.

By linking ourselfs to ISAF regulations we didn't have a need to form, train and maintain a seperate group of regulations and measurers. Now we can make use of the existing structures formed for the F18, F20, A-cat and other classes.

Formula 16 will be the same the whole world over, no exceptions. If we ever are going to have international sailing in the F16 class than unity between local branches is an absolute requirement.

The other important reason is of course that everybody loves "wide open class rules" as a spectator and as a discussion topic but only 5% or less likes to sail under such rules. By going for a Formula setup over a "simple set of 4 or 5 limits" we are far more attractive to a larger portion of the sailing public and therefor have a greater potential.


Wouter