Word is from reliable sources the Inter 20 internationally is going to adopt the larger main -sail of 215 sq ft total -inc mast .
The I-20 has pretty much dominated the competition in the production 20 category . The only way other 20 ft 8.5 beam production boats will ever compete with it is to adapt a similar light weight carbon fiber or comperable weight alum mast , and add a new sq top 215 sq ft main and comperable jib of equal sail area.
Any 20 platform will compete but really needs the equivalent mast and sail plan to do so..
The F-18 class is evidence of this .
Equal sail area can be added per equal or smaller main with added jib area or equal total , though max size 215 main is the best option.
Heavier boat weights of 30 lbs are allowed a larger spin and jib per proposed F-20 rules ,-
crew weights are often much more varied on these larger more powerfull 20s being designed optimized for 350 to 400 and larger crew weights,-
Many 20 sailors periodically need new sails , so the transfer to a 215 sq top seems within reason ,-
the main expence then is a comperable 32 ft mast .
Other than a new mast the other option is a carbon fiber replacement top section ,--these weight approx. half the weight of a H comptip and could be extended up to a 32 ft mast length . ---Sail lofts making sq tops need to target the 20 mainsails to 215 sq ft inc mast ,--and offer this CF mast option with bending characteristics a known quantity for matching sail -mast prebend and overall sail configuration ,--{ luff radious } per mast bend characteristics per sail maker / loft .
Any type of 20 could be modified in this way along with a spin snuffer system and equal the speed potential of an I-20 .
F -20 production platforms inc
Hobie FOX
Nacra 6/0
P-19
HOBIE 20
Mystere 20 8.5 b
Arc 20 - minus 12.3 in version
Inter 20
Tornado 8.5 b version
Hurricane
and number of EU 20 ft platforms
I am very interested in an F20 class like the F18 class. I have learned a lot since my first post on this subject years ago. I have been having conversations with racers that are intested in the F18 because there is a building class. While I would love them to get I20's so that I can race against them they are looking at the numbers. Most of us have experienced the boat fads and I not owning an ascot. cannot afford to buy a new boat everytime the fleet changes.
Also having raced against most of the boats listed on the previous post would be happy to not have them correct over me after beating them to the line. I do not think they would agree. I cannot say anything about the hurricane or the narrow tornado but I am certain that none of the others are going to say "sure, I 'll give up the correction" There is even a thread started in the general about the difference between the tiger and the F18 numbers. How is a F20 fleet supposed to be "Fair" when the differences can be argued forever. There is always going to be the faster boat that is given the credit for wining and not the sailor unless the boats are exactly the same. Around the bouys and distance racing are completely different. Again I wholehartedly support a F20 class, But there is not a chance of creating one on the south coast until the portsmouth numbers for the varied boats gets to within a minute or two an hour. Or racers give up wanting to win.
>>Word is from reliable sources the Inter 20 internationally is going to adopt the larger main -sail of 215 sq ft total -inc mast .
I think I need to inform you guys on the US continent that the EU F20 class is not and I repeat NOT looking into entlarging their mainsail area. As the US group is rather small in comparison it is unlikely you can make a fist and demand the larger mainsail size. The US I-20 simple don't have the organisation that the EU F20's have.
Nacra nacra can unilaterially decided to increase the area on all new boats but that would piss off quite a few F20 sailors overhere and the F18 is already eating into the F20's as well. Not a wise move at this particular time. It will also kill of the other builders in the F20 class something this 20 foot class needs even though 85 % of it is Nacra I-20.
Sorry guys that is the situation as it appears on the ground here.
And Tornado at 8.5 ft width is not going to happen.
Simply put. It is FAR easier and less expensive to have some 30 US teams downgrade their mainsails than have a multitude of that upgrade to larger sails overhere.
Sorry to be the bringer of bad news.
Wouter
Wouter, the latest Yachts & Yachting has a sail test of the new White Formula 20 designed by your countryman John de Vries.
I've seen his boat and talked about it. Has an extra set of daggerboard wells and angled foils also discovered a weak point about them. When is dives then it really goes down ! Lets see where this development is leading us. Interesting
Wouter
I have (only one) picture of JDV's F20 (taken at the ECPR this year) - flat camera battery to blame I am afraid :
![[Linked Image]](http://www.catsailor.com/bb_files/38717-Jon%5C%27s%20F20.jpg)
No comments, Anyone ????
With respect to the increaed pitching effect, would it not be more effecient for the dagger board to enter the hull inboard and exit outboard? As the boat heels would the effect be opposite?