Marc,
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<br>I agree. NOBODY will be happy about adding weight to reach min, no matter what they weigh. The H20 class set theirs based on some safe number to right the boat. Even though it is 295, most of the sailors generaly agree that around 325 is optimum. Making some severly light team add tons of non-moveable weight does not make sailing fair and adds to the safety concerns of the event.
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<br>If majsteve thinks that some high profile sponsored profesional class will be what revitalizes this sport, I think he's f----'d. Not that I would'nt love to watch it and if I had the time and money maybe try and compete in it, but:
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<br>Without the numbers in participation, the sponsors and prime time viewing will not happen.
<br>Having an overpowered platform that only 2 fat guys can hold down will not attract the participation.
<br>The idea of a true arms race for the perfect boat is unfounded. No production manufacturer will put out a new model unless they feel that they can sell bunches of them. Designing a boat, plugs, and prototyping all are very expensive. A few 1 offs like the CFR20 will appear but look how successful that was (1 boat that got its butt kicked in wind over 5 knots)
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<br>The weight issue keeps getting in the way of the big picture. There is a significant momentum hurdle that has to be overcome to get this idea off the ground. If you dont maximize the potential participation, no amount of glitz will make this idea roll.
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<br>Matt<br><br>