If I'm hijacking your thread, then tell me to butt-out and I'll be happy to do so! That said, the whole argument is butt-backward! You guys want a system that equalizes the performance of different boats! That is an insoluble paradox!

If you wanted to measure performance, it would be easier, or at least doable, to agree upon a standard course, whereupon a "perfect" boat, sailed by a "perfect" sailor would have and arbitrary score and everyone else scored less, regardless of the boat type.

Example: Agreed upon score is 1.000. An excellent sailor on an excellent boat would achieve up to 0.999. A lesser sailor and boat combination would score nearer to 0.000.

If you have positive scores, then by definition the course would need revision. It might be possible to apply such revision by formula, but actual performance over the long term would be the acid test.

Then, if there is still the need to "equalize", apply a handicap as in golf.