I spent a fair amount of time discussing this issue with Lalo Petrucci. The A-cat rules specifically state that Hydro-foils are not allowed. The issue that has now come up and why there is a push for a re-write of the rules is that people are trying to use the fact that they are not clear enough. The only reason to use canted boards or more in effect, curved boards is to provide some lift to reduce the wetted surface of the hulls. The amount may be argued, and it may not provide for lifting the hulls clear of the water, but any lifting device, no matter how efficient, definitely falls withing the realm of what should be considered a hydrofoil.

Any formula class is an attemp to provide a level competition that is open to a variety of people and builders. By opening up the centerboard rules different than what is clearly restricted in the F18 regulations we potentially open ourselves up to an arms race.

This class is at a critical point in its existance. While it is an excellant concept, getting the mass in numbers will be very important during the next few years. It takes guts to be in on the ground floor of a new concept, and we can not afford as a class to exclude any of these ground floor members. By allowing canted boards, or curved boards that may present potentially significant differences in performance we obsolete all the boats currently in the class. With what can be considered signficant boat development changes going on, people are less likely to buy a boat now when they could wait a while and get the new lattest thing.

From a builders standpoint, I have no issue with making what the customer wants and is willing to pay for. However it must be recognized, the introduction of canted boards will increase the cost of building boats, and the introduction of curved boards will significantly increase the cost, easily more than the 2,000 euro number they are using in the A-class banter. We have now a product that is for all intensive purposes rigged identical to the 18 and 20 footers out there. It is more difficult to manufacture, from a labor standpoint to control the weight, yet because it is 16 foot, the public perception is that it must be cheaper.

While it may be considered developmental, and personally fun to play with, by not restricting this item similar to what the F18 class has done, we significantly risk the future of the F16 class.

Resectfully

Matt McDonald