Exactly Mar ,-most people in any sport want a true test of skill -sailing skill ,-,
from ISAF RATINGS http://www.schrs.com/

The ISAF regognizes the benifits of class racing .The tremendous benifit and including builder dealer support and the sence and CONSISTANT principles of {fair equal racing } as set forth in rule 2 of ISAF rules of racing established base ideal of sport that allows fair competition of sailors and builders of the craft they race as development classes now provide .

P RATED racing is a handicap type --thus inferior ,-giving advantage to lesser sailed boats by lesser skilled sailors in lesser competitive class or brand types.

INCLUDING ALL TYPES OF CAT DESIGN that wish to race is very important at events , How best to accomplish this and accept all the diverse design types while upholding the consistant principles of fair equal racing is really the question to ask .-Historically H-class has had the majority of boats ,at one time an estimated 80% of cats raced were H -that has changed and most sailing organizations now need the added numbers from numerous builders -that continues to change as Mary noted per examples but still exists . The best means of integrating seperate brand groups is again through principles of fair equal sailing that development and Formula Class racing provides and is already accomplishing for the bettermeant of the sport and longterm benifit of all concerned . OD-racers of many classes used to class only racing will not accept a Handicap alternative but will enthusiastically race in a Formula type or level class . Realistically and from numerous commentary on the forums these areas hold the most interest by far and ARE growing partisipation in the sport and will continue in growing numbers well into the future .


Its not a question of choose one as some attempt to narrowly and mistakenly frame the problem at hand within the sport in N A which has declined terribley, due at least partially to misplaced handicap ideals that would continue or expand this type of direction.-This would only serve to further and continue the decline and alienate the majority of catsailors that prefer a true test of sailing skill in level class racing .

The success historically has always been around class racing because of base principles of fair sailing . Boat builders build boat types ,boatdealer get involved and invest and spend their time and effort promoting them, sailors similarly invest and get enthusiastic about them,- most with the intent of great large equal fair class racing . All the catsailors who have purchased numerous OD and this year, numerous Formula 18s -Tigers -NF-18s -Mysteres ,-etc -The 18hts and Jav2 -F-16s -A-Class cats and through the list in numerous OD all are expecting great class racing events in growing class groups ,-most now by numerous varied builders ,-not one brand type.
The reality IS this is already growing and promoting the future of the sport and is the direction it is naturally taking . COMMON SENCE AND LOGIC would indicate an understanding and recognition of this and a more intergral supportive roll and means of rating cat design to assist and help BUILD THESE BASE RACING GROUPS and classify others through the basics of Length -sail area -weight in formula which in turn classify them into inclusive fair equal racing groups based on design . Basically we need a better means of CLASSIFICATION OF RACING GROUPS ,-

Mary noted that catsailors need to know thier classification to race . Using design measurement in Length category is ideal and easily understood -14 -16- 18 -20 and unlimited class ,-based on existing F-classifications , This allows all boats design parameters and serves to frame an understanding or a beginning to understand design and its effects on boat speed and handling ,-This in turn allows catsailors the opportunity to modify the thousands of existing boats now owned or available with new sq top main and or a spin snuffer system to rate equally in Length category as well as purchase new development and Formula based cats .-If a catsailor adds more sail or other design speed factors as lightweight they in accordance with design measurement rating move up to the next Length category in starts . If a particular class has very large numbers as a matter of practicality they have their own start with a B classification in L category ,just as large class events did at one time . In the other extreme scenario it is a matter of getting a min 5 or 7 in Length category to show if not they move into the next group. Class groups should be scored seperately but start in equal design rating L category again unless large numbers or practical reasons require a seperate start.
Developing rating by modifying current P Rating and integrating it with improved design measurement rating to work within the principles of fair equal racing in promoting equal racing groups intergral with development classes will certainly benifit the sport long term much more than the proposed framed continued concessions exacted by the mistaken direction P-rating concepts now want to lead.
P RATING expanded further will only continue to alienate and divide segments within the sport leading to more seperate type and brand events only , the oposite of its wishfull intent.
Efforts should be focussed on recognizing the direction the sport is taking ,and as Jake noted what sailors really do prefer. It is about providing what racing sailors prefer and what will bring them out to race , If any look it is level racing classes ,development classes and Formula groups.
P Rating requires continued misdirected concessions be made in racing contrary to the preferences and ideals of most,attempts to expand it and the inherant problems of continueing or expanding a timed handicap rating system are the wrong course to take .

We need to observe the success of development -Formula and level rating type classes over the years ,-overseas and now finally here and act integrally and constructively with it to build promote and grow the sport.