I am getting very confused.

A Formula class consists of a bunch of different one-design boats that fit within that formula class.

For instance, a Formula 16 is not a class of boat, per se -- it is a racing class category that is open to any boat that measures in. Right?

Some boats are actually built to be optimized for the Formula 16 measurements. Lots of others are NOT, but can still race in the formula class if they want to and if they measure in. Doesn't matter whether they have smaller sails, are fatter, heavier, slower, whatever. If somebody wants to race in your class, and their boat measures in, you can't turn them away just because you think they won't be "competitive." That is their decision to make. And it is based upon the measurements that your class approved.

In the case of the F16 class, the class organizers decided to grandfather certain classes into the F16 class even though they were nonconforming. But that grandfathering was done based upon the stock specifications for those boats. Aside from those grandfathered, nonconforming classes, no other boat needs any official designation by the F16 Class in order to be able to race in the Formula 16 Class at a regatta. Just needs to measure in.

To give a radical example, the Hobie Wave is obviously an A-Class, and I don't see how it could be turned away from racing at an A-Class event even at the highest levels.

In summary, as I see it: A formula is not a specific boat -- it is a category of boats. And for some reason most formula classes do not seem to specify minimum length, or maximum weight.

As far as the SL 16, if the F16 Class officers are concerned about that .05 difference in jib size, just suggest that the manufacturer have their sailmaker shave off a sliver somewhere.

That is such a miniscule difference it is laughable. You should see the differences in sail area for "stock sails" on some production SMOD boats over the years. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Have you all had your jibs measured properly measured by an official measurer? Are you just ASSUMING that your jib measures in? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />