I like magsteve's idea of a total sail area (main+jib+spin) limit, as it allows for more flexibility and development and continued improvement of the sport. The one problem with any one-design rule (which a very strict formula rule is similar to) is that it stops cold any innovation or evolution. I would like to see boats continue to become more fun to sail as people improve the design and manufacturing process.
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<br>Put me firmly in the box rule camp.
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<br>I also like the total weight concept. The main reason I got out of P19 racing is that we did OK getting to A mark, then got killed going to C mark 100 lbs overweight. It just wasn't fun. (I also saw this from the reverse side a few times I solo'ed the P19, getting to A mark late but catching and passing 2-crew boats downwind). Yes, having a higher proportion of movable weight is a small advantage sailing upwind, but the magnitude of the advantage is limited by having a constant sail area. Also, downwind the movable weight doesn';t provide any advantage at all. Since the cost of a 300# boat will be much greater than a 400# boat, I don't see many sailors going this route. It would only pay off (and only al little) if you had a very heavy crew AND a lot of extra money to spend AND a high wind race. Those 3 things don't happen simultaneously very often.
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<br>Another advantage of the combined weight rule is that it would allow mfg's to slowly reduce the weight of their boats as better materials and manufacturing processes came along. I have been sorely tempted to explore the T4.9, Mystere 4.3, and the A-class just to get a boat that is easier to move around by myself (or even with a helper). This is also a major complaint I hear from Laser sailors - cats can't easily be moved around by 1 person, even though the wind is usually not too strong to sail them solo.
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<br>Alan Thompson
<br>I20 - San Diego
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