Yes, the rig changes did split the class. It seems that 1/2 of the boats did not upgrade to the new rig and stopped racing the boat. EG, several of the Canadian sailors took the rig change as an opportunity to retire. The Detroit fleet also seemed to melt away after the rig change as well. There was at least one boat at the Michigan Catfight which was still using the old rig in a portsmouth race.

Remember, that the only class racing on the continent is the July-Kingston Unlimited, August-CORK II, December-Tampa, January-Miami, and February-Miami OCR event. The international sailors competed in the Florida races while the Canadian races drew at most 5 boats.

BTW, The I20 was always delivered with a carbon stick in the USA. The F18’s BAN carbon sticks. My point is that nobody was forced to junk their existing rig and upgrade to a new rig. The spin upgrade and self tacker were half the cost of this mast proposal AND you really increased the boats performance for your money. The mast CAN’T be that big a deal!

Still, I don’t think it’s a big issue in the US and Canada (unless you happen to own several alu masts). Only those teams on Olympic campaigns will switch over to Carbon and they are playing a different game then you and I, so it’s not a problem sailing against them. I think the international class should consider alternatives which address this pending competitive imbalance for regions where they do have a strong weekend warrior fleets (Like Germany. (Perhaps Gold and Silver fleets) Then again… that would be a novel idea for the class … addressing the concerns of the ordinary guy!

Proud member of the Society of Ordinary Tornado Sailors
Founded at the Miami OCR 2004

Take Care
Mark