N A Formula 20s

The first iF -20 championships are being held in Holland in 03 with more than 100 expected -
http://www.catamaran.co.uk/IF20/IF20.htm

Very encouraged by F-16 --F-18 and F-18 ht classes underway now in N A ,-seems inevitable that a F-20 class will follow .Really looking forward to racing good catamaran design in each type and class .
The Worrell 1000 this year on the Jav will be very interesting .

Many are acustomed to the 20 ft platforms maybe more idealy suited to 1000 mile ocean distance racing . Hope to see the event and many similar ones eventually including a Formula 20 class.

Currently in N A we have a variety of 20-ft catamaran designs being actively raced and sailed.

The idea of Formula racing is to allow all boat designs to race equally within the limits of basic box measurements of the same or very similar Length ;Beam Weight ;and Sail area. The H-Fox ;Inter 20 –and several others have been built with Formula in mind. Many other existing designs fit within the measurements per Formula rules and could be improved and modified with spin snuffer systems or most any modification and raced.

This allows all boats built to similar measurements to compete as Formula 20s and allows owner the freedom to change improve or modify any aspect of the boat they choose.

The N-6/0 is an interesting example of boat development going from its original version; -an Express version set up for a spin. With sq. top main, --and an N A version with larger jib. Any version could add a chute;snuffer system and race F-20. The boat would certainly continue to improve and develop on its basic platform. Performance Catamarans could offer a 6/0 version with the current I-20 c f mast and sail plan with lighter total boat weight which could prove much faster in many conditions and in distance racing ;
Some may wish to purchase existing platforms of various types ;refinish them, -make the lighter and build their own version, -just as many of us now build or have built our own custom computer system to our specific preferences and uses.

Supercats were mentioned in earlier posts as one builder who offers custom building on variations of design per owners requested specifications. A Formula S C WITH SPIN SNUFFER would be an AWSOME ocean distance-racing cat.

The Hobie Fox may rethink its design for N A and potential upgrades it to outperform the Inter 20.
Rules would allow a lighter boat weight, -c f mast, and -and 15 more sq. ft of mainsail for the Fox.
For heavier existing 20s two weight categories are established for boat 376 and up with 270 sq. ft chutes and for those weighing 410 and up a 300 sq. ft chute is allowed along with slightly larger jib.
The 20s being so powered up with sail area is effected less by crew weight, so only boat weight is compensated with added spin area.

Any 20-ft platform or design can be modified for F-20 racing; -many types will be successful to various conditions and types of racing. One huge advantage is if you do not like your boat speed or set up then change and improve it, -Make it faster, -better handling, -stronger where needed and safer.

20 FOOT CAT DESIGNS CURRENTLY ACTIVE IN N A that fit into Formula 20 racing,
Ideally we will have articles with photos of modifications and chute with snuffer set ups of each type -as the year progresses.

-- H-Fox --Inter 20 --H-Miracle 20 ---N-6/0 NA --
Tornado-modified to 8.5 beam ,---P-19 -
The Mystere 20 are among potential F-20 boats -
see specs. and info on the N A F-20 forum listing

Working on updating a N A F-20 web site .
We need volunteers and involvement from boat builders , boat dealerships ,-sailing clubs fleets , and event organizers ,-
most importantly from catsailors that would like to get involved in 03 .

Should be a great cat sailing year ahead

Carl

link to rules -http://www.lakelaniersailing.com/f20class/