HCANA rules are 8:1 downhaul, 7:1 main blocks.
I'll agree you're closer to being an SX than a stock 18.
Is it about what configuration it's closer to or what number is fair? Being that a competition handicap system is to try and make competition "fair", it should be the latter. You are basically giving the boat a free spinnaker power-up by using the SX rating.
In light stuff, a well sailed Hobie 18 can keep pace upwind with F18s and the below the waterline shape is similar to the Tiger but with much fatter boards. I haven't sailed along side a TheMightyHobie18 in anything else yet.
All you have to go by is the ratings that are there and the modifications that apply. If you want to employ somebody's notion of fair, the committee can always reserve the right to rate the boat the way they see fit, and provide a provisional rating for the regatta. As for the downhaul and main blocks, that question/hit would apply to either config you choose.
The TRUE easy ratings beater here is a stock SX with spin, not the modded boat. Which goes back to what I've been saying about the SX rating - it's out of whack. Either that base number is really for a non-spin SX, or there is simply an error. The rating that incorporates a free gimme is the stock SX rating - so again, I would ask the US Sailing folks for a clarification.
A question - does anybody know if the SX as the Hobie class intended include the spin, or was that an option for non-Hobie sanctioned racing? The answer to that help with whether the rating listed includes the spin or is a typo.
So here's a question - somebody shows up in a stock SX with spin. Do you use the numbers in the table or do you calculate what's "fair"?
