Hi Steve - <br> great work with contacting potential sponsors and boat builders. <br> <br>-All Formula classes are developemental , and all have a sail area to weight variable Formula in some aspect of rules with the goal of equal fair sailing for all . <br> <br>-As Mike noted sail areas have to be defined , otherwise the rulebeater scenarios previously stated occur ,--then absolutely no sponsor or spectator will understand , and very few will even desire to partisipate. <br> Again a better vehicle for the sponsored racing at the top level of the sport would be one design , just as we did in Prosail , on Hobie 21s , If we have a class for ALL sailors it will not suit those specific requirements , though as it is proposed a better faster form of 20 ft cat will evolve from it for the top level racing that will as explained in the previous post abosulely require LARGER crews to race them effectively.--{see designers comments and righting equation} <br>-The other aspect of setting a 350 min is that it does not allow for equal fair sailing unless you weight 350 to 370 . As you say there is no allowance for variation of crew , and under this 350 rule scenario if you weight 400 your at a 50 LB disadvantage , -If you weight 320 you are completely excluded from racing 20s altogether , -Evan the average 170 LB guy has to have a 180LB guy to sail with ,or carry dead weight. What flexability is allowed here ? <br> It does not allow for variables in boat weights . <br> With this 350 min you have eliminated all junior sailors from competition , most all women sailors , a large majority of existing sailors not being able to meet weight , and worse have disadvantaged the heavier near 400 LB teams . A better solution is required that is fair to all . <br> <br>-The proposed sail area to total weight rule DOES allow and factors in total boat and crew weights through the entire range . <br>-Again all other existing Formula classes have weight and sail area charts , but they pertain to crew weight . This rule combines boat weight and crew weight and cleans up the basic FORMULA TO INCLUDE ALL boats and types / sizes of crews . <br>--The specific scenario of changing crew weight to an extreme ,-{which most racing sailors do not do }. <br>Racing sailors will look at the rules -{total boat and crew weight to sail area } -find their boat and its weight add their crew weight , just as they do nowfor one design , then find sail area on the chart ,-again based on similar existing 20 ft designs. -Based on this they purchase a new boat per total weight or modify their existing boat if needed , {not all will}-skippers that change crew through a wider range say 50 LB , could either carry weight to meet the sail area per chart or have a 2nd spin of larger area , just as other Formula classes prescribe, and accept a slightly smaller main or larger with weight. <br> This is not complex or difficult to understand , - <br> Certainly very simple as compared to comprehending a 12 meter rule for the Ameriacas Cup , -A simple chart scale ,just as other Formula Classes have ,but applied to total crew AND boat weight. <br> The cheating aspect you mention can unfortunately occur anywhere .-We label all sail areas by the tack on each sail next to the sailmakers logo and have them label all new sails clearly per size in 2 inch numers easily reeadable and all crew similarly list their weight in large easily readable numbers , I believe in the honor system ,but any challenged and found in error would be DSQ. <br> <br>-THE BEST ASPECT OF THIS RULE is beyond being fair and equal to all 20 sailors is that it allows existing and older boats to become part of the FORMULA 20 class , --this is unlike the other Formula classes in existance which seem to require new formula specific boats to compete. - <br> -Any can modify a 20 or take a 20 platform refinish it add some sails and race . This will encourage entry level racing and hopefully newer younger sailors ,without deep pockets to join in . Existing sailors that desire a new lighterweight 20 in a few years will make the existing boat available to more potential racing sailors . A number will take older excellent platforms and hulls like the light Tornado and build a Formula 20 , fun stuff . <br> As a class we will have to set up an active site for new and used parts, boards, masts suppliers , and especially sails and spin new and used in various sizes, Rick already has an auction board and classifieds set up . - <br> <br> -Carl <br> <br> <br> <br>-<br><br>
