Hi Eric

{Are we talking 10'max beam or 8'6"? }

10 though Some have already suggested as per 16 s that a lightweight cf or alum wing be allowed on 8.5 beam boats that would equal the total 10 ft beam crew position , 18 inch wings on ea side or just race within.

The 8.5 beam cats will be at a disadvantage in above 10 mph conditions ,but could add the wings dependant on forcast for the race event.

I raced the H 21 in the Prosail and Ultimate Yacht race events in 88 . They have great wings which were fun and made trapping horizontal to the water for maximum crew weight use and leverage applied very easy as well as providing a great spin block lead location out wider for more open slot and better sheeting angles .

The other option would be a B classs 8.5 beam category that was scored as a class but all raced together.
The A class does this for older heavier designs .