Ok, a few up front questions, sorry if this comes off wrong, but I find exercises like this to be helpful at times. Maybe we'll like the answers, maybe not. I've stuck my thoughts with the questions.
What's our goal in this whole thing? What do we want to accomplish for the N-20 class?
It seems we all want an updated sail plan, but why?
Simply because we want sails that compare to the F-18 (pissed that they beat us)? (my opinion - That's a moving target the current plan won't hit)
Just want a more up to date sail plan, don't care if it compares to the F-18? (my opinion - We're on track here)
Just want better consistency to the cut of the sails available now? (my opinion - Don't change a thing, just ask for more consistency and don't have sail lust when on another class boat)
Answer the above list, and be honest.
Now, what do we want the N-20 class to be?
Top dog 20' class? (my opinion - It isn't anymore, that's the F-20. It's never going to compete as the top boat anymore, unless we really open development.)
Top dog distance racing class? (my opinion - Almost, until the F-20s find a way in)
Formula boat? (my opinion - It's not a formula class, so it will never go head to head with the F-18s or A-Cats for new tech. Unless we take the class effort one step forward and try to set up US Formula 20 class again.)
A decent 20' foot class with available used boats as an alternative to F-20s, or non-spin 20' classes? (my opinion - Closest fit, but may leave some unsatisfied and may not attract the folks who would be interested in buying new boats. What does this offer that F-18 does not?)
Why do we want to save the class, why not get Chuck to make the F-20 the new boat and give it traction? (my opinion - don't know, maybe I don't like owning two dead boat class boats, but Tybee in F-20s sounds like fun...)
Setting our expectations for what we want the class to be will help us be happier with the sail plan decisions. Anybody ask the perspective of the NE guys on their decision to dump the 20 footers and go F-18 (not from a why we should dump the class perspective, but from a what they were looking for perspective)?
