Hi Mark - <br> <br> Interesting proposal , -you basically set a Texel rating number at the Tornado , and race all boats below it . <br> <br>-You can easily expand this thinking , --have the U S adopt Texel or ISAF for small cats -DESIGN MEASUREMENT -ratings as opposed to Porthmouth. -- ---- this rule concept can easily be applied to all classes and catamarans uniformly . 16 -18-and 20 classes, -and up. <br> <br> By establishing a max number for each start at distance races or regattas -high middle low -Texel or ISAF--all boat designs have the opportunity to race equally to this number . <br> <br>--Joking with you little here Mark ,--have been advocating this for the last 3 years , with your objections and insistance and mission statement to race only Porthmouth. <br> <br> The aspect missing is of course allowing and excouraging modification of existing similar rated boats and new cat designs built to this max .rating that would eventually allow all boats to form equall classes. {equal fair sailing } -remember the goal. <br> <br> What modifications are allowed to each 20 listed to bring it up to an equall rating , -in this proposal ,-how do boats upgrade and modify up to the Tornado rating ,--how do we insure FAIR SAILING - <br>-the definitions begin . <br> <br> If you look at existing 16 and 18 F Classes there are pages of definitions and exact specification ,lists of weights and sail areas . An effort to define a-{class } and insure fair equal racing. <br> The "rulebeaters " you mention and dismiss by placing onus on builders and ratings are numerous . --thus the reason we see class rules and more definition. <br> ISAF or TEXEL are rating systems formulated to rate all boats with all design characteristics . <br> <br> -The basics of rating systems -the box ,-are Length ,-Beam ,-weight,-and sail area, <br>I suggest a simplified more inclusive class definition , setting length ,-beam , and a sail area to weight uniform scale that all boats can easily understand and modify to , to define class . <br> <br>-If wider beam designs than 8.5 ft are desired in the class then lets specifically address the problem of how to allow other designs an equal fair modification , for equal performance . - <br> -There are some good photos of racks -wings on the Mystere web site , ----currently need info on their cost ,-weight , -and attachment , --and opinion on if this beam option is practical . <br> <br> Carl <br><br><br>
