Hi Marc Steve -Allan -thanks ,-we need input from all and to gather all available information to make good decisions. -
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<br>-The only solution to min. weight that all have agreed on and is totally FAIR in all regards is a total boat AND crew weight rule ,---Steve Marc and Allan have mentioned this solution and no one can establish a factual scenario when this would not be fair to all racing sailors .
<br>-It requires added rules and statement of weights labeled on each boat ,builders can publish boat weights and crews can verify this and be responcible for their own weights , mfg and sailmakers can label sail areas clearly on all sails next to their logo at the tack , - this is the correct solution.
<br>-In the previous post , commented and tryed to illustrate how any Formula class is delopemental to some extent . -
<br>-It is to what extent we are trying to define now, and also understanding the degree of developement rules are required to solve the problems defined.
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<br> Existing Formula classes have the basic concepts correct but have only taken a small step to solve proplems of racing cat sailors .
<br>-problem defined -= existing are seperate one design classes which we listed with specifications for each ,that lead to dead boat classes within a number of years continue to become more diverse and spread out in increasing number with new boats and mfg , If all cat sailors could attend regattas and distance races show up and be assured that they would compete in a large fleet of equal performance boats where the first across the line wins is the ideal .-The prospect of not being locked in to one Mfg. and being allowed to purchase sails and modify your boat to suit your own preferances and sailing style up to this class standard or top rating number ,also has great appeal .Open racing in the U S based on averaged times of boat brand finishes does not have this appeal ,with boats all over the course and no one knowing or really understanding who won until hours latter.
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<br>-Another problem already surfacing for the new F-18 Class is the also new F-18 high performance class boats weighing some 100 LBs less . A split proposed already before they begin due to the desire for stricter one design type racing , but allowing some developement in hull shapes , boards and rudders and sail plan and mast to a lesser degree than evan the Euro F-18 classes. --The new 16 H P Class has the same problem in reverse , excluding older 16s from competing equally , but fortunately having an existing base of excellent lightweight cat designs in existance to choose from . It will be the excellence of these designs and their builders that allow this class to become successfull .
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<br>-Back to the crew weight solution ,-and how to propose a broader 20 class rule that will include existing boats and allow new H P lighterweight boats to compete equally and fairly as one F-20 class.
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<br>-It is in a larger sence first having the U S adopt ISAF -or Texel -design measurement ratings for use . Once it is generally understood how designs are rated it becomes easier to allow modification to existing boats and for future designers and mfgs . to target a Max,performance within 20 ft -8.5 beam class structure.
<br> -We have length and beam established for us by other existing accepted class lengths of 16 and 18 ft, -and trailering restrictions of 8.5 ft.
<br> This leaves weight and sail area as variables.
<br> -Ideally we would provide a range of weighs and sail areas in total . --example --A 350 crew on a 350 Lb boat =700 LB total --racing a 300 LB crew on a 400LB boat =700LB -
<br> both cats having equal rated sail area , placed on any 20 platform .-The complexity enters through the variety of boat weights and crew weights in combination .
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<br> Proposed a list of boat weights to sail areas based on existing 20 ft specifications which needs to be refined to fall within ISAF equal ratings and we need to factor in crew weights to the scale . -Will try to propose a scale that falls within ISAF ratings, though as explained some class definition is also required. Would really appreciate some constructive help in formulating this proposed solution.
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<br> Adopting this type of much broader developement rule is the only long term solution . It requires new understanding of design , a new rating system for the U S , and a desire for sailors and builders to work together towards this goal. <br><br>