Mark Batchelor has thrown his hat in the ring, and will be going to Corpus Christi October 8-11 to defend his national title on the I 17R. Who is going to turn out to try to take it from him?
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<br>see y'all in Corpus
<br><br><br>Andrew Tatton
<br>Nacra 5.5u #417 +chute

My response is not related to Mark, but to your spinnaker. I have a Uni and am thinking about a snuffer. As you know, the boat can get over-powered in moderate conditions (I have the carbon package and now weigh about 180 lbs). What is the size of your spinnaker and how do you like what you have? I'd be using it for fun and longer distance races. Right now I do well in these races and the upwind legs are a blast being out in front of the big boats. The boat sails well downwind, but I thought it would be more fun to stay with the bigger boats during this leg.
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<br>Any thought's you have would be appreciated.
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<br>Mike<br><br>

I have an Inter 18 chute, about 226 square feet. It had been badly damaged, and tho it's been nicely repaired, I got a screaming deal on it. The pole that I used with it (I've used it only in one distance race to date) was an Inter 20 Worrell (non-snuffer) aluminum pole. Not sure the exact length, I suspect 13 something feet. Masthead hardware was stripped off a broken I-20 mast.
<br>I'm really happy with the rig; I've only flown it in up to about 10-12 because I have the old light uni mast, and I was afraid of breaking it. You have the Inter 18 carbon mast already, so you should be fine.
<br>The Uni is convertible to Formula 18 - it has the same beam and length. So the I 18 chute is a great choice for a bigger singlehander (I was 260, now about 240). Not sure if you'd be better with the 18 or the 17R chute (it's about 193 square feet, or 18 sq metres); I suspect it depends a great deal on how windy it usually is in your area.
<br>About the snuffer: I want one, really badly. However, I understand they are really hard on chutes, and as you know, the rig is pretty tough on the wallet in the first place. I am inclined to trade my boat for a 17R with all the goodies in the first place, rather than try to build one. It IS tempting tho; the 5.5 u is 6 inches longer and almost 4 inches wider than the R, and pulls a 67.0 D-PN distance racing under spinnaker compared to the R's 66.6.
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<br>Come down to Corpus October 6-7 weekend; we'll compare notes, do a distance race on Sunday, then you can stay for 5.5u North Americans on the 8-11. We already have class +1, so you're guaranteed to race one-design.
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<br>sail fast<br><br>Andrew Tatton
<br>Nacra 5.5u #417 +chute

Thanks for the response. I made it to P-cola last year and ended up 4th, but won't make Texas this year. We're sending a very good sailor though - Rush Bird. He placed second last year and I hope he does well again this year. I look forward to hearing about the races. Wish I could make it. Good luck to you. While you're there talk with the Michigan Uni sailors about their experiences with the I17. Many started on Unis, went to I17s, and are now back. They have good information to help you make a decision.
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<br>Mike<br><br>