Texel Rating System
http://www.texelrating.knwv.nl/
Brilliant rating systems as most already know. The required basics of catamaran design are factored into the equation. It has a proven history based in earlier similar rating systems and is proven to work well.
Some minor revisions may be suggested or updated for use in N A due to basic minor geographic , average weather , and existing catamaran design variations.

Some questions and proposed topics for revision.

The original version intended to have a windspeed modification factor.
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Beam would ideally be a factor in adjustment to higher wind strengths when it is most efficient and becomes a larger functional advantage to increase potential speed. The windspeed factor seems to be needed in Texel ratings to include beam as a function of cat design.
A proposed simpler solution may be to just have 2 windspeeds. One with crews on the trap and one below wind speed. Mid 3 range on Beaufort scale, 8-MPH -to begin . There are reliable wind speed meters also. This becomes a simple determination for R C and is apparent to all racing. If half or fluxuating above and below 8 the rule would encourage the upper speed be applied as standard practice to avoid any controversy in R C duties.
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Board type being factored in an added windspeed factor rather than a constant 3% factor
would be an improvement when comparing the two present board skeg types differentiated in Texel , this along with beam in an added windspeed modification factor. Some added factor may be also required concerning angled lifting foils or boards, -again best handled in a windspeed factor when like added beam these features become effective advantage in the upper range. Adjusted wind speed numbers would reflect these design features.

Rated sail area –main and jib ,-it is a good safety factor limiting luff to some extent and is standard accepted practice. We should encourage all sailmakers to list rated sail areas of all sails on the sail itself along with their logos.
Spin area ,-rather than a set targeted Max size per L boat with a set percentage increase to the rating without spin, --a scale may be applied to handle increase or decrease of spin area allowing more flexibility in sailplan design. In N A. it seems more races are in lighter average wind strengths so this may be a needed addition.

Texel does an excellent job of rating similar types of modern catamaran design .
All modern catamaran classes and all Formula Classes should be encouraged and structured to race in class groups .
What Texel lacks is an ability to rate older catamaran designs in handicap, not having measurement to factor in older sail plan configuration, -mast and rig weights, less efficient board and rudder configurations, and many other lesser design aspects common to older cat design. . –
The ideal solution may be to add an improved yardstick type rating, -per current P ,- a designated Handicap Class only category added efficiency factor. The existing list of Catamarans would be categorized as requiring this added handicap based on age of class and original design.

The ideal solution is for classes to update and allow modification periodically. The Tornado and A Class are two good examples that have longevity as a result. Those that remain in older original form that do not, --many that we affectionately refer to as dead boat classes that really require a handicap would be so classified and given the P-Rated added reduction.

The basic Texel number and windspeed applied will correct many inequities currently in P Rating.
Obviously a C Class Catamaran with basic specs of 25 ft Length, -300 SQ FT Sail area, -is potentially much faster than an Inter 20, -but current P-rating has it rated slower, numerous other examples exist.
As other rating systems acknowledge there is not enough accurate data to verify a yardstick system.
Resent problems exposed by race results bear this out.

Texel applied with slight updates that may be needed along with handicap class designation for those older designs that require it to stay competitive and that would most sail in a handicap class are an ideal way for N A Catsailors to structure racing.
Local club sailors should be encourage to use an individual handicap system, the ideal form being based on membership encouraging them to participate based on their own times. The updated rating system would be a point of beginning for individual handicap numbers, or present system used in small club applications.

ISAF –rating and Texel are very similar, -an adaptation of Texel for use in N A as suggested would bring all to a very similar rating system in use. Differences could be narrowed from there over time to one universal rating system for catamarans, --just need to get the guys down under on board also.

In N A current M C members mentioned some willing to work on this,
It is time to add an interested committee of volunteers to work out the system, --this along with standard race outline practice encouraging class groups to race will help the sports future immeasurably.

Happy New Year -03
Carl