Sorry to have been away for so long. I am happy to see that we are on basically the same wavelength. <br> <br>I happen to agree with Mike that the boat weight should be higher. I propose a compromise at 385. THe class can go back over weight minimums in a couple of years. I do think that the rules should state that the weight change can not go down more than 2% every three years. So basically, it gives us a few years to stabile the class, see what works, see what technology is there and inexpensive, before the weight goes down. (example: 385 minimum in years 2002, 2003, 2004 -- if vote passes the new minimum would be 377.35 lbs for years 2005, 2006, 2007) I don't think anyone would complain that their three year old boat is now obsolete due to 8 lbs. This would allow a boat to compete thru its livespan while enabling new technology to come into the class. <br> <br>On crew weight. I agree that 350 is the right line. It helps build the F18 class but also, brings alot of heavier f18 crews to NAF20. <br> <br>I also think that the sails should be set within parameters. However I really do like the maximum sail area concept. Where you are legal as long as you do not go over XXX sq ft. I would like to see some flexibility in this area but feel that the main and spins should be set to a max sq footage. Or do we want to allow a rule that states if you for go a jib than you can carry a % of the jibs area in the main and spin/gen configuration? Say additonal 30% of jibs sa in main and spin. I think this would do alot to take some of the pressure off the crews if we allowed this. Then the crew can run the main upwind and the spin downwind.. Most of us just set the jib and forget it most of the time anyway. <br> <br>As for snuffer I think it should be mandatory unless the boat carries a furling reacher. This takes away the windage arguement. Also, holds the spin to a practicle size due to the limitations of the snuffer design. IE no worrell size spins because you can not snuff them. <br> <br>My two cents worth <br> <br>Steve<br><br>
