Class Standards \ One Design \ Ease of Use

Posted By: Martin P '78 5.2 nr. 505
Date: 10/6/06 8:52a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Loose-Footed Main\Class Standards (Bob V)

Bob - It is difficult at best to make the choice - but it is something one must do. I can appreciate the purists, who want to keep everyone on a level field as far as equipment goes - leaving it to a good start and ones ability to sail hard to determine your placement in the fleet standings. With that said -- one also must face the reality -- Times change... look at Mylar sails - Radial cuts - High tensil/low streach lines - Composite spars... These things were not around (or not economical) 30 years ago when these boats were designed. Several questions to ask is "who will I be racing?" unless you are fortunately located near a place where there are more than one, where you can have "one design" races -- your looking at PHRF racing -- and usually clubs have committees to determine if you fit the standard rating or if you have too many changes onboard (and they will then mod your rating). Another consideration would be if you leave the main on the boom, or bend it on each time you get underway? Attaching a loose footed is easier (also taking down!) And finally, how much Trimming do you perform while racing? - Once your at the point when your looking for things to make you perform better -- I feel the ability to adjust your shape to get a better draft is definately an advantage one would want.... but if you not up to this point yet - you might not need a modification that you won't take advantage of, especially if it costs more... These are just some of my personal thoughts (I sail loose footed!) MPK