WE have found there to be no overal difference in performance results between the two different configurations, the only difference has been in the quality of the sailers. I think that this will once again be shown to be correct at the up coming Australian nationals in a few days time
Darryl J Barrett.

Folks I'm begining to have second thoughts. I'm not willing to try and change the rating or the equipment but maybe we should recognize the top uni with a trophy.

Comments?

Absolutely, the ratings need to be the same. This is a class foundation. However, the sail configuration needs to handicap single and double handed accurately.

I race primarily uni but have done a couple with inexperienced crew. The jib effect is valid. Much more power and greater righting moment in tandem with the newer hull designs more than offset the additional crew weight.

I am opposed to structural design modifications to optimize uni configuration; ie. smaller hulls because the boat will loose its 1 or 2 up flexibility which is a differentiating quality of the class that also must be preserved. That leaves us with sail development.

I agree with Wayne that simply dropping the jib may not be a valid equalizer either. It may have been with the early generation hulls. Whatever the case, not enough racing/development has been done with top racers using a uni-cut main to justify even exploring adding a small jib with reduced main.

Ironically, I believe the manufacturers would sell more boats and sails if sail development (and rules if needed) allow unis to be more competitive at the regional/national/world events.

I'm happy with the Rum award.

;^)

If you really want to spend money on trophys, you could go 3 deep in both Sloop and Uni, and 3 deep overall as well, the first 3 boats overall would get two trophys, one for First place overall, and one for which ever configuration he was.

OR...race and score all as one fleet and then give out 6 total trophys, 3 deep for Sloop and uni.

But like I said above, as a Uni guy, I'm happier with the rum, paid for by the other Uni racers!

If we ever got say, 60 boats, 30 of each configuration, to show up at a big event (Nationals or Worlds) then perhaps separate starts/awards for Sloops and Uni's, but we are a long way from that.

+1...and probably the most appropriate solution for "Uni" trophy, though we have some non-rum (whiskey or dry) uni racers. Of course, last year I was given a manikin's arm as a "single handed" trophy. Still in Ed's garage if it hasn't sold yet.

Nice!

Now, if only the arm were holding a 12yr. old bottle of Bushmills!

I'm all for it !

Alcohol only dulls the senses, it doesn't solve the problem. Certainly interested in how Daryll gets on and whether his views remain the same over the next year.