Wouter.
I totally disagree that in order to make the rule work you can choose any class that is a development class.
More strongly I think the original 100 rating class, the Tornado, is to thinly spread to act as a good reference class.
I agree with you, but my reason for objecting to the Tornado is that it is/was a development class (and the single wire tornado is now almost a non entity and so may actually be getting slower as all the good boats are converted to T2001’s)
Do you actually need to have a focal point in the rule,
once the basic numbers have been calculated……? Boats speed will change as they are developed (F18 will get faster, Dart 18 will stay the same)
I understand that at this point in time (to establish the rule) you need to start at some point, and test your rule.
Ie, the rule must ensure that the following results come out from the rule (and many others too)
Inter 17 is slower than Inter 17R (F17)
Tornado 2001 is faster than F18
F18 is faster than I17
And so on.
Also the skill included in these classes is way below the level in the F18 class at this time
But the rule you propose is measuring theoretical performance, not real world (crew dependant) performance. ‘Driver skill’ is not relevant.
Or does your rule propose to give boats that are di8fficult to sail (ie have more sail controls for example) a more favourable handicap ?
BUT, I applaud you in trying to come up with a new method. Just don't tie it to one class as the Texel and SCHRS have been once you have a formula. 
