One cost that hasn't been discussed as yet is insurance cost. Do you think Namsa could get a group policy that covers all racing events including this. I have spoken to two agents locally and they tried to compare it to nascar but that really doesn't wash because the loss figures don't come close to a comparable figure on equiptment or loss of life.
Personally until I am beaten soundly and consistently by a diffferent design/concept I will run a boat with the proven parameters by Roberts, Haberman and Posey.The spin issue is up for grabs as far as I'm concerned. Those large spins look cool and maybe a crew of three could handle one in medium to heavy air Let me be clear I am not talking about one or two races I mean an entire racing season. Hopefully the races will fall staggered across the country. If its in one general location then make it a central one where the boats can be stored in one place where an airport is within 30 minutes. Traveling to an event is taxing on the crew and the advantage given local guys in this regard is immeasurable.
This Formula 22 could elevate catsailing to a new level or destroy it completely if these new designs start breaking down and hurting people. Especially if its on live TV when it happens. In pro cycling when theres a crash most people can relate because most people had a bike at one time in their life but most people don't own and have not experienced a high performance 22. If it looks like fun then they will try it if ti looks like a disaster they won't. So whoever these designers are and whoever does their R&D had better do their homework and get it right structurally before the public takes a look at this new concept. Its one thing to capsize its another for the mast to tear out of a hull or break a beam.
When I bought my Sailcraft of Canada Tornados in 1973 they were telling me [at the factory in south Montreal] about the process of testing beam wall strength. Apparently they increased wall strength by 1mm at a time and finally extended the dolphin striker into the beam box to support the beam to prevent the mast from driving down through it where the beam met the main beam box. I sailed that boat for six years in some of the heaviest and most violent air I have experienced and sold it. It was still sound but needed a jib.
If I sound like an alarmist I'm not. I just remember when there weren't any production cats around and what the comments were when they arrived. Today I still hear those same comments...
So a comment to the guys running this thing remember: Sail safe Sail fast and Sail to get there...Don't let some builder cut corners to get in the circuit. Make them prove what they have will make it through the season before we spend our money! Theres no guarantee for sponsorship on every boat thats sold for this event. But a couple of structural failures may end the whole thing...
Thom
