Apparently, the A class measures the largest chord when calculating mast surface area, so you loose area by doing a taper. How is this done in the F-16's ?
I'm saying for years that the A-cat rules are less simple then every thinks or is made to believe.
F16 class is only interested in the actual area of the mast ALONG the mainsail luff. For most masts this means that cord times luff length is a very accurate approximation. When you have mast taper you can calculate the real area and put the part you lost into your mainsail.
In addition the area of the mast below the boom is not included in the mast area (isn't effective in anyway) and can therefor also be put back into the mainsail area.
This is the direct reason why F16's typically have 1.4 sq. mtr. more EFFECTIVE sail area than A-cats while on the class rules it would appear that we only have 1.05 sq. mtr. more.
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Wouter
