You guys are right!

Dave, I apologize. A boot in the nuts would have been far more appropriate.

Come on Pete, show some respect for our new F16 Class President!

Pete: What is it that you would you like to change about the current rules?
I think the rules are complex at some level, but in practice there are only about 10 of them or so to you need to memorize in detail right?

I think they were written by and for slow monohulls. Maybe we could weedle them down and tweak them a bit for our much faster cats? A lot of times you just don't have time to play Judge Judy coming in fast to a leeward mark.

The lack of clarity is my biggest concern. Each time a question is asked, numerous opinions are given and most differ in one degree or another.

But to answer you specifically; nothing. It was just a question prompted by Gil's request for a clarification.

For those of you interested.

http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=89706

I think that the "rulemakers" are thinking about the faster boats, that is why they changed the two-length zone to three-length zone.
http://rrsstudy.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-rule-18-three-length-zone-in-rrs.html
(Checkout the rest of that blog as well, very interesting reading).

IMHO sailing is a complex sport and I think that if you would start out with maybe 5 rules,
you will find yourself adding a few rules every race because there is no way those 5 rules would cover every possible situation.

Speaking of slow boats, did u guys read the header of one of the SA news topics? It has to be the best ever:
"4 Knot Sh!t Boxes Dominate" (Its about the Newport-Ensenada race).

I just found this tool:
Boat Race Scenario drawing tool.
We should use that from now on to discuss rule issues!
Its free and is simple to use.

Tony,

This is one of the big reasons I sail cats. There is less emphasis on the minutia within the rules. With a cat it is about boat speed and very basic rights of way and that is about it. My experiece has taught me that using a rule to force you way into or out of a situation has almost always been slower and opens up the potential for an F'n protest, than just eating some ground but keep going fast.

Matt, I totally agree. I take it some steps further saying we should not carry on with all the "extras" and their implications. Gurras proposal is extreme, but I think that is the right place to start if one should do a complete makeover. Mast abeam anybody?

PS: I dont think the F16 class in any way should lead the way on this topic and I personally for sure am not going to do it. But I still think the current RRS and the sport would benefit from a complete makeover

Rolf, part of my rationale in raising the question is that the F16 class has chosen not to seek ISAF cetification. Since we have chosen to follow our own path, it seems logical that at some point we MAY choose to develope our own rule set.

Most people avoid conflict, but privately I have received some well reasoned concerns about safety. The lack of visibility resulting from the spinnaker, particularly when sailing uni and the closing speeds inherent to the class are cited. Specifically, the concern relates to the two and three boat length radius when determining ROW. At our closing speeds, with reduced visibilty they just aren't enough, imo. Others agree.

Hey guys,

Why not make a swing at it. Just for kicks.

I'm a little influenced by the landyachting rules, which are heaps simpler then the RRS, and maybe that is a good place to start ?

Tonight, when I have some spare time I will try to make a viable 5 rule racing rule set. Anybody else also up for it.

Wouter

Sure.