This past Tuesday night I raced with my 10 yr old son and the conditions were such that we double trapped upwind and just walked away. I need to add corrector crew weights since our combined weight is 285#s. Class rules show I need to add 32.5#s. I was thinking of using dive belt weights. The class rules specifiy location and attachment and this may be difficult to acheive. Thoughts? Better yet pictures?

Class Rules:
7.1a Minimum Sailing Weight shall be the weight of the crew at registration, dressed in shorts / t-shirt or swim suit, and barefoot. Normal undergarments may also be worn with the aforementioned clothing.
1. The NACRA 20 Minimum Live Weight shall be 275lbs. consisting of a minimum of two (2) persons.
7.1b Minimum Sailing Weight shall be the Minimum Live Weight plus corrector weights if necessary.
1. The NACRA 20 Minimum Sailing Weight shall be 325lbs; however, for crews requiring more than 25lbs. plus 1/2 of the additional weight required need be carried.
7.1c Corrector Weights; corrector weights shall be attached to the outside of the main beam or within 1 foot aft of the main beam on or in the hulls or trampoline. Weights shall be securely attached to the boat and shall not be moved while racing. Attachment shall be with tape, or by tying with line led thru the weights. Screws, rivets, nuts and bolts are not allowed. Weights must be easily accessible and easy to remove for check-weighing.

Tape them to the dolphin striker.

Thanks. Btw, did I calculate that weight correctly?

You need 32.5lbs I think. 285 +25=310 +15 to get to 325 but you only need 1/2 of the 15lbs which is 7.5 so you need to add 25+7.5=32.5.

So you carry weight and still don't have to make minimum?
I don't get the logic.

The only reasoning I can come up with is the added weight is fixed in place and is not moved around like live weight.

Thanks Dave. Connection suggestions? I was thinking of putting the pieces of lead in pvc pipe and sticking them inside the front beam. After re-reading the rules it appears that this is not allowed since "...outside of the main beam..." is used.

Would the earlier suggestion of attaching to the dolphin strap still be considered the main beam? I could wrap that with tape, not very elegant.

Chris. Add Bella to the crew. She should weigh in at 32 lbs I would think? Or would that create a disruption in the universal harmony of the team? Ed

I think she is 65#s. Shes usually two busy. She might be there tonight getting some stick time in the opti.

You should see what some of the other N20 locals are coming up with in terms of weight to be added. So far the best one is: For the kid weighing 65, it would be 50 + (25 * 0.5) = 62.5

325 - 285 = 40
35 - 25 = 15 / 2 = 7.5
40 + 7.5 = 47.5 pund corrector weight.
Crew + corrector (285 + 47.5) = 332.5
Best place in the hull just behind the main beam(if you have access) half the weight in each hull. Attach with line to dagger board well.
Second best is at the mast base attached to the from cross bar.
Soft Dive weights are best. Cheap alternative is lead shot gun shot. These will not damage body or boat.

What's this part?
35 - 25 = 15 / 2 = 7.5

I like his math.

I get used tire weights from the tire dealer ( it is getting harder to get them) melt them down and pull out the steel clips. I melt them down with a propane cooker and a propane torch using a ss pot. Make a mold out of wood or metal and you can cover with tin foil. I make mine about 1 1/2" wide and as long as I need to get the weight I need. You can also do different thicknesses. I tape mine to the dolphin striker strap and have never had a problem.

Plus half the weight over 25 pounds.
I've got about 40 pound of shoot and lead from when I used to solo the 18. Free to anybody who want to come get it.

Dave, Your math is different from Orphans math by 15#s.

"You need 32.5lbs I think. 285 +25=310 +15 to get to 325 but you only need 1/2 of the 15lbs which is 7.5 so you need to add 25+7.5=32.5."

Btw, I spoke with three Nacra dealers yesterday; all three came to the same conclusion of 32.5#s. I have written to the class and am awaiting their interpretation in writing.

Thanks to all for the input and ideas,

Side note, I was not hasseled even once for trying to race last night with 480# of crew weight and a torn spinny. Sure was relaxing sailing downhill without a spin.

I just don't get orphans math. With his math you will be sailing over min. weight. I understand the 325- 285= 40. I just don't understand the 35-25=15. 35-25=10 and where did the 35 come from?

32.5# with or without torn chute....bad news last evening.

I interpret the rule to say that if you need to carry more than 25 pounds you will be penalized an additional 1/2 of the weight over 25 pounds. But I may be reading it wrong.

Chris. Did you make Murph shave his head to save weight or did he botch a rugby match? Ed

That makes more sense to me.