OK, it that is the case, why were they only building them to 15.5 if the max limit is 17sq. mtr? And why is the "new one" only 16.6 and not 17? I mean, wouldnt' you want the maximum mainsail/mast area, especially on a heavy boat like that?

Your assumption is correct Jake. The measurement included the mast area (using the measurement form you mentioned).

Chris.

Just when the F16 guys were getting their motor's going.

So, why was it ever 15.5 instead of the full 17?

Sailarea: 15.5
+
Mastarea: 1.5
=
Total: 17m2

I checked my own measurement report and it states 15.24 for th sail and 1.51 for the mast which totals to 16.75

It's not the size of your main it's how you use it.

Yeah, it's a slow day at work.

They are building the F18 sails to 0.03 sq. mtr. of the maximally allowed area. Building a sail to 16.6, or 0.4 sq. mtr. smaller then allowed, is non-sense.

0.4 sq. mtr. is a square having sides 2 feet long. And that is "kindda" alot of cloth to be throwing out.

In case somebody thinks the F16 sailors are slacking on the F18's. At the F16 Global Challenge two crews were forced to recut their sails to suit the class rules or be dissallowed from competition. This sort of thing happens in all classes, including the F16's.

Wouter

Uh oh, you're .25 m2 short. There's no way you can win.

Don't forget about "banging the flange".

That's really an F16 thing, aint it?

Game on!

For the record:

"Hopefully, the reported 16.6 includes the mast area and it is the semantics on how it was reported..."

Generalizations are usually unfair to the majority, but feel free to use or ignore any phrases you'd like to. It is a free interwebby-thingy. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BTW, any race reports? EDIT: Duh, got them.

Chris, Nice work! That's an impressive bunch of competitors! John, if you are not sailing, I expect great video coverage, and interviews!

gawd you guys are easy.

Well here's a nice boot in the knutz then!