Hi Mark

Spent the last year or so just sailing locally with the kids ---chillin ,-as they say

Nice to see ,{in a strange way} ,things changing little and you defending P rating but still, though in decline, stubbornly clinging and insisting it is or should be applied in larger context other than informal local club racing ,-it is ideal for small diverse groups of boats for local club racing ,-which is the only alternative some have in their area, and its only real application ,-or should be .

you noted the following --
copy--{The essential difference is that they {mono classes}use a model to predict boat speed based on the features you are using on your boat... AND---end quote -

comment ---this design measurement model serves as the basis for rating numbers and is the priority factor in determining a boats rating number --the time on time as per P rating is factored secondarily to it .

You will always have it {bass ackwards }.
In attempting to {make it fair and equal in competitive sport per time allowance rewards for slower sailors ,regardless of brand name boat ,-all you really accomplish is making it uncompetive and unfair .

The problem is the negative effects of rewarding mediocrity which in turn inevitably leads to failing to continue to strive through direct competition which as we all recognize provides the incentive to develop and grow .
Are college students graded on how well they happen to be comprehending the subject matter that year ,--or are there in fact certain achievable model criteria for comprehension with testing for it ,and with that basic achievable comprehension the ability to develop beyond and grow.
Are they evan allowed into school without basic comprensive skills.-{the OSU football team aside}
In attempting to rate boats only by sailors abilities in a particular cat class at points in time over a year only reflects those sailors ability in that class which varies greatly compared to actual design model or theoretic model speed which many top sailor closely achieve, these model predictions and comp. annalysis with comparative model predictions and modification preformance design values are an important tool and another method for designers and boat builders to advance the state of the art in producing better design .SEE C Class design annalysis for example . Also concerning sailing skill and ability ,-a system that rewards comparative lack of skill by boat name classification as p rating does,--though having very similar design model features to supposedly faster boats is no excuse for mediocrity and is in fact self defeating in development.
Being incognisant of the development of multihull classes and the true measurement of comparative sailing skill is self defeating. Beach cats in this predominently design oriented high speed catamaran segment of sailing with its historic purpose for developing catamarans originally as high speed sailing craft ARE THE MOTIVE ,REASON AND PURPOSE OF ITS EXISTANCE AND THE MAIN REASON WHY IT BECAME SO POPULAR .
Denial of this leads to self defeat and decline . .-P rating applied to anything except a small diverse group of cats for a Wed night type club fun race is self defeating . It only rewards mediocrity of sailing ability and poor design with added time allowances which accomplishes what? --better design? -any comprehension of design or design values, of real comparative sailing skills ? ----no .

Many catsailors have no interest in P rating or racing under it ,Most appreciate the time effort and dedication to maintain it but we really need a better system model and basis for development , Suggest using base rating used in design measurement and modifying those slightly over a longer period of time using a time on time factor ,-which I think is what you stated most mono classes are going to -a design model basis rating with time av mod.to achieve rating numbers .

It is unfortunate that most good cat design and innovation currently is from overseas WITH THEIR DEVELOPMENT CLASSES and priority on design and design measurement rating systems , WITH SOME NOTED EXCEPTIONS ,-and the proportional number of REALLY GOOD ENTHUSIASTIC cat sailors overseas far exceeds that here in the US ,-why?


all the best Mark -
good on ya ,mate -
Carl