That matter has been under discussion for some time, and advice was sought from the officers of the NAF-18 class. I believe the way the race committee is leaning is to change the class rule for the event to require teams under 308-pounds carry 100% of the weight up to 308, and then the normal 50% up to 330-pounds. The manufacturer is only providing the larger sail plan with the boats, and it would be unfair to allow a team to bring a smaller set of sails to be moved from boat to boat in the 'round-robin.
As an example, a team that weighs 300-pounds would carry 8-pounds to get to 308, and then 11-pounds to get 50% of the difference from 308 to 330 (22-pounds). The total weight carried would be 19-pounds, or 9.5 pounds per hull - Class rules regarding the placement of crew corrector weight are also expected to be modified.
This is very nearly the exact proposal that has been put forward at the International F18 Class to change the rules to eliminate the small sails in the Class. The reason given is that many believe that the sail development is all concentrated on the larger sailplan, thus putting the smaller crews at a disadvantage. The proposal was defeated within the F18 Class because most of the sailors believe the large and small sailplans have proven to be a fair equalizer between light and heavy crews.
I believe the Alter Cup Committee has come up with the best solution for a regatta like Alter Cup where everyone sails every boat to equal things out. Congratulations to the Alter Cup Chairman and Committee!
