Introduction :
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<br>It is found by several F16HT group members personally and julian Bethwaite (Designer 18 foot skiffs and 40-er skiff) that luff length is more important in genaker performance than raw surface area. In effect the aspect ratio is important. Proposal is to fix the F16HT genaker to a high aspect maximum surface area (say 17 sq.mtr = 180 sq. ft.). The genaker is used while solo sailing as well as sailing with a crew. Wetted surface calculations (approximations) have shown that this genaker ratio F16ht/F18 = 17/21 sq.mtr. closely approximates the ratio for wetted surface area. The last is all important in light to medium air races. Remember that mast length is NOT fixed under the draft F16HT rules. The maximum allowed mainsail area is linked to the mainsail luff length via a formula. This new value (parameter) called RATED MAINSAILAREA is a indication of true sailpower and is fixed. The same could be done for the genaker.
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<br>Question :
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<br>Would you as a sailor like to see luff length restrictions in the F16HT rule framework ? If yes, in what form ?
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<br>Please answer with Yes or NO in the subejct line and your reasoning in the main message
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<br>Wouter
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