With respect to the reason for having this midgirth rule, that is not at all to prevent development but rather to prevent the F16's from being killed in handicap and other event rules. A hooter is seen by measurement handicap systems (Texel, Schrs) as an oversized jib and rated accordingly.
Personally, I would waver any crew using a hooter in F16 events (not open class racing). I'm convinced these are not faster over a wide range of conditions not even for single handers.
As far as I know an invitation to bring a hooter to an F16 race has been outstanding ever since the subject was brought up in 2002. No-one took up this offer. You can be first Smiths_cat !
Wouter
Wouter; the Mid-girth rule is used to define a Spi; check the ISAF definitions.
Currently SCHRS rates a hooter as a jib; the group started to look at rating these sails under my chairmanship; and this work continues.
