People that race have different experiences and perspective opinion based on them .
If you have only raced a H-17 in a small group for example you may believe an artificial skipper based time handicap that favors your particular boat is ideal .Please correct this if wrong --
If one has the background of racing in H-class racing over a long period of time working up through the ranks then sailing numerous National and World Championships , then also having experience in developmental class racing like A Class and 18 sq meters ,-built several boats and cats -and also has raced in Prosail and Ultimate Yacht race events at the upper levels of the sport -and then numerous distance races inc.Worrell 1000 s and a Tybee 500 race where boat prep is a major aspect then --that skipper may have a different experience to draw on and form opinion from .
-Both are valid based on the individuals perspective --
there is oportunity and events for all types of racing sailors --
but one may be more benificial to the sport for major events and distance races based on those actual experiences .
to answer the questions -
artificial handicap =
Preface to rating discussion first the true intent of racing catamarans, -its ideals and goals must be understood and defined. Is the intent of ratings to determine the best type of boat in racing conditions of a particular set of measurements and specifications, the basics being Length Beam Weight and Sail area.
We have the ideal one design; development and Formula group racing for these ideal forms of racing, -Should a rating system at its base be an extension of this ideal form.---
Or is the intent of rating catamarans one of attempting to find a system or rating formula that allows a variety of different design types ;good or bad, --to win races. If so then artificial averages and a means of limiting or artificial handicapping must be devised penalizing some faster design, -rewarding slower ones with favoritism in some form as a compensating factor. ;
If it is this artificial handicap then it would ideally only be used or applied when good class type racing was not available when using either a measurement design rating or Yardstick type rating system based on averaging times being inherently inferior.
Both types of rating systems in use both average times and measurement design in combination with differing base and using the other method secondarily to it to accomplish its rating objectives.
Some way or means is required in measurement to classify boat types as a beginning definition basic to our understanding.
Measurement design based rating from a design theory perspective only would still have numerous flaws within rating boats and problems to resolve if the intent is to handicap and limit all boats in the concept of equalizing speed potential through handicap time allowances. Dependent on ones intent of rating boats cognoscent of the inherent flaws and faults in averaging boats performance relative to one another in their diverse design forms, along with the problems of very different performance characteristics in the infinite variety of-sea and weather patterns and intended uses and specifications per designer THIS BECOMES AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK, to accomplish fair sailing for all-Some will benefit greatly, many will be unduly penalized comparatively using average times or by limiting and penalizing good design
A rating system, -any system is not the know all be all or should attempt to be.
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- 2 --T I P rating
With the amount of annalysis and comparison on the Tybee race believe this combination rating concept as outlined will become an accepted goal to move towards over time -
T I P Catamaran Rating
Simple description ; Combination rating system using the best features of Texel ISAF and Portsmouth.
= T I P Catamaran Rating;proposed outline for consideration and developmental concepts and ideas .
Base rating equation per Texel & ISAF - Rated Length Rated Sail Area- Rated Weight, as listed per Tex. Rating.
Proposed from this proven base rating along with several modifications for use in N A is a 2 wind speed category based on wind-speed effects below 8 . Also an on trap windspeed above 8, --the 3 range B. scale ,-based on beam and board effects at higher speeds, -and rated sail area inc. adapted spin rating system per current ISAF.
The ISAF spin added rating equation is proposed for use producing similar rating numbers with Tex.through a more thorough means of measurement and rating actual spin area -rather than the added 4 pt Tex. rating currently uses for all spin rigged cats by specifying a targeted size for each length and adding extra penalty for those over.
The ISAF added spin rating calc. allows any spin size to be readily rated per area- per sail-maker, -along with any modification.
A spin efficiency factor is also proposed to accurately rate spin area per design in class.
A [Handicap Added Factor } based on Portsmouth Rating difference from modern catamaran design base model target rating or comparable non spin Formula design per rating conversion in each length category . This theoretically factors in Portsmouth rating handicap to the updated base rating and provides more favorable rating numbers applied to older design classes as compared to modern cat design.
Assumptions in T I P rating;as proposed--
1-Tex. rating base is developmental and will reflect lower speed range accurately as foundation for all extended and added modification factors ,- .-inc. upper wind rating added and cat design of 22 ft and greater as modified.
2-ISAF Spin calc method with added Eff factor per aspect ratio will average in the 4 pt added range per each typical class design sail area.
3-Wind-speed factors of total beam ,-board correction ,-rated sail area effects to rated L and rated W inc.crew weight correct to an accepted average in the upper range category.
4- Future wind-speed category will be required to address new developments in catamaran design of angled lifting boards and foils . Also planning hull effects along with hull P C rating effect in 2 wind-speeds proposed. Along with other future sailplan and design developments as required.
5-Method for adding Portsmouth rating per comparable rating of non spin design target in each Length category is accurate as applied to older cat classes having lesser non factored design features per criteria and class age original form as outlined.
TIP Catamaran rating numbers in wind-speed category may be cross -checked with current rating system numbers for comparison ,-all proposed rating calc methods are developmental.
Advantages
Utilizes the best features of the 3 main current rating systems in use ----Tex. Isaf and P. =TIP
Provides an accurate proven rating number for modern cat designs, --no provisional number is needed-
Eliminates the page of modification factors that utilize a one penalty factor fits all approach regardless of the size spin ;jib ;main mast height, -etc.
Provides a much larger base pool internationally of base rating information to help verify rating accuracy.
Integral rating system, more compatible to promote large class racing groups in N A .
The system as outlined needs to be developed and refined in these added categories --
1- Spin rating calc method per ISAF rating and spin eff rating factor added per aspect ratio.
2- Windspeed modification factors ,-board effects ,-rated sail area to weight and length,-and beam effect calc applied to wind-speed. Consideration for future windspeed category for angled lifting boards and foil effeciency ,and hull form inc. planning types per current new design .
3- H A F ;Integrating updated Portsmouth rating as applied to handicaping older design per criteria added to the equation and calc method applied .
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question 3
Formula is a more ideal form of racing -F-20 has basic rules outlined on the F-20 forum here on Catsailor and believe we will see F-20 racing later this season -
It is not up to any individual to purchase boats or promote the class ,-but it is available as outlined for any that care to choose this type of racing or to hold an event and or start a F-20 group in your area .
That is the goal -
4 -You may be confused on "big money " racing -
think the HT-18 had prize money last year ,-
the N E 100 has had prize money in previos years ,but don.t know what the reference is --
Sam
Get out and race some distance races this year ,-
be happy to discuss boat prep and mods required for this type of racing directly with you after finishing a high wind -sea condition 100 mile leg that may finish well into the night ,--then you can explain why mods are not needed in your opinion to "mfg class" boats .
have fun
Carl
