[quote=captboz][quote]I think this class thing is getting too complicated now..[/quote]
"...this class thing" is the easiest to oblige. What is complicated is explaining to your son/next generation sailor why the under-crewed boat, the boat which sails below the minimum crew weight, and the boat with aftermarket sails is collecting the trophies after you made every effort to oblige the rules and come in seconds behind those that didn't! There is no excuse to not take care of these issues before the boats even hit the water, a simple google search will get you all you need to know about any class. If you have taken home a trophy in the past then those sailors should be the ones setting the example, not skirting the rules.
All one has to do is sail one race in a one design fleet and it becomes quickly apparent how critical weight is on the boat. Like I said earlier, no one is measuring boats or weighing crews. This is why it is important to self police. The H16 with the 180lbs skipper and 70lbs crew doesn't pass muster, neither do aftermarket/afterburner sails. Deviations from class rules create animosity, animosity leads to a fractured class. Fractured classes have poor turnouts at regattas and it is not fun to race by yourself. Lets keep the H16 class strong and competitive and continue to have strong turnouts on the course.
I have 30lbs of segregated lead weight that I can lend to anyone who is interested in getting up to minimum. I do not need it this year as I have been bulking up the last 12 months by drinking beer and eating donuts. I cant say that I'm proud to be sailing with my 70lbs son and still come in well above the 285 H16 min, ...but at least I can get my butt spanked fair and square.
Boz
ps- Karl, great reference from Baltimore. Sounds like you have done your due diligence. Look forward to meeting you.[/quote]
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