Hi Michael



With all do respect, please go back to Wouters post about the physics of the mast height/sail relationship and re-read it (heading is “New Designs” posted on 9/21/02 3:16pm). Or ask him to explain it in different terms if you find it ambiguous. Or try this… longer mast=smaller sq/mt (or sq/ft) of sail allowed…shorter mast=larger sq/mt (or sq/ft) of sail allowed. You can’t have a taller mast AND have the same amount of sq/mt (or sq/ft) of sail as those using a smaller mast…it’s against the CURRENT RULES.



Here is the explanation directly from the F-16HP Web site :



"To avoid confusion we underline here that RATED sailarea is NOT equal to ACTUAL sailarea.

Here are just three examples, more combinations are possible :



-1- 14,51 sq. mtr. actual area with a 8,3 mtr luff length = 13,00 sq. mtr rated area

-2- 14,85 sq. mtr. actual area with a 8,0 mtr luff length = 13,00 sq. mtr rated area

-3- 15,26 sq. mtr. actual area with a 7,7 mtr luff length = 13,00 sq. mtr rated area



This way the positive effect of more sail area is corrected by the negative effect of a shorter luff length.This approach limits actually produced sail power more accurately than can be done by just limiting a sail surface area.It also permanently fixes the F16HP Texel handicap rating to the Formula 18 rating."





You can not make any parallels with wind surfing racing…where a participant can choose from any variety of Sail shapes, sizes, mast lengths, stiffness, etc…you are comparing apples and oranges…



With the rules, the way they are right now…you could bring 20 masts with you to a race and it would change nothing but your heeling moment. There is no advantage…again longer mast/smaller sail…. shorter mast/larger sail…. do you see what I mean? The rule was designed to eliminate any advantage a taller mast might have…to equal the playing field…they won’t be able to get “more power” than you have…



From your responses it is obvious that you have a strong personal stake in keeping the F-16 HP platform in a configuration that allow you to sail competitively at your current weight. It is also obvious that you feel that lighter crews have little chance of success in the F-18, F-18HT, A-class etc. I understand your concern, and I agree that everyone needs a field of play and the F-16HP is probably the best one to allow this to come down the pike in a long time…I am not against you on this…I am not your enemy…all I saying is you have nothing to fear by leaving the 9 meter mast height…it is not going to give anyone an advantage over you…if they opt for the taller mast they have to take a hit on sail area…I don’t know any way to make this point clearer…



Michael H. you would not have to go out and buy another mast/sail combination to stay competitive…it is just a misunderstanding of the rules that are already in place…again go reread Wouters post (“New Designs” posted 9/21/02 3:16pm). Or go to the F-16HP web site and read the rules there.



Phill thank you for your comments…I have great respect for your insight …of all involved, you seem to be able to detach yourself from any particular boat and give an unbiased opinion…I say that with full knowledge that we seems to differ here as to what route to take…



Bob Hall