Different story if you want to race F18 class. Unfortunately for us standard size men, most beachcats, including the F18 Class are designed around midgets (sorry, "little people").
Take a look at the excerpt below from the crew section of the F18 Class Rules. The class is supposed to be able to equalize competition by allowing "heavier" crews to use larger sails. Unfortunately, what they consider heavy is 150 kg which is only about 331 pounds. The boats are finely tuned and weight sensitive, so every pound over 331 you are using the same size sails but carrying more weight.
Excellent sailing can more than make up for a certain overweight margin, but if you are going to race at 130% of "heavy" and 150% of "light" then you better be as good as Randy Smyth (who weighs about 155) or be comfortable at the back of the fleet.
C.3 CREW
C.3.2 LIMITATIONS
(a) The crew shall consist of 2 persons.
(b) The crew shall use the sails (as defined in G.2.3) in accordance with the
following weight categories:
(1) Crew between 115 kg and 130 kg shall sail with the small jib and
small spinnaker and then shall carry extra weight equal to half the
difference between their actual weight and 130 kg.
(2) Crew between 130 kg and 140 kg shall sail with the small jib and
the small spinnaker and shall not carry extra weight.
(3) Crew in between 140 kg and 150 kg may use the large jib and the
large spinnaker and then shall carry extra weight equal to half the
difference between their actual weight and 150 kg.
International Formula 18 Class Rules 2010 9
(4) Crew weighing 150 kg and over may use the large jib and the large
spinnaker without carrying any extra weight.
C.3.3 WEIGHTS
(a) The minimum combined crew weight is 115 kg
(b) They are four categories of crew weight:
(1) from 115 kg to less than 130 kg
(2) from 130 kg to 140 kg
(3) from 140 kg to 150 kg
(4) above 150 kg
(c) Crew corrector weights shall be of metal and securely fastened on the port
side, either to the outside of the front crossbeam or to the strut, , and shall
be removable for checking.
(d) Crews may be weighed at Registration for a regatta if stated in NoR and
again at any time by the Race Committee.
Posted: Aug 09, 2012 - 09:58 AM
Is 430LBS to much crew weight for an f18?
