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Several thoughts:
I think attitudes toward lifelines could differ depending on the waters people sail and the conditions in which they sail.
It wouldn't surprise me at all if many of those who sometimes sail or get caught in snot blowing conditions would prefer having them. Like coastal, or large lake sailors, or those in the midwest plains.
I owned/sailed a Pearson Ensign for 7 years. The 22½' Ensigns don't have lifelines or bow pulpits. Maybe once a year, we'd get caught in sudden 40-70 mph winds. Going up on the foredeck to lower the jib in those winds and waves with only the mast for occasional firm support always terrified my girlfriend, no matter which one it was.
But if you don't ever sail or race in those conditions, maybe the lifelines are more bother than they are worth so why use them?
I think Law's approach -- remove the lines but leave the stanchions -- is great. Or, if he decides to also remove the stanchions but keep them with the boat for the next owner, that's okay, too.
I certainly agree that for racing, it would be most fair to have everyone follow some basic equipment rules.
But I also really appreciate John Pinney's attitude --'let's get people racing and not sweat too many small things.' Which way does our class come out farther ahead --by prohibiting some of our boats from racing or by including as many as reasonably possible?
As it stands now, I don't think there's a place on the planet where there are enough of our boats -- 6.7, 6.9, and/or 22 -- to warrant a fleet start in a regatta.
As it stands, last year was the first in perhaps twenty years (or maybe ever?) when there was a class regatta for our boats and at which a boat from another lake participated (Law Powell to Okla). That mark was tied this year when Pinney & Siebert trailed one to MN.
So, if Law will enjoy racing more in his situation withOUT lifelines or stanchions, my opinion is, just do it, Law!
PLEASE! Let us not put in rules for which we have no urgent need at this present time.
PLEASE let our boats or fleets on the individual lakes/waters experiment with what's fun for them. Let the group (of our boats) that race together with each other make their own decisions.
WHEN we get enough of our sailors trailing their boats to other waters to race against each other, THEN we can decide on what is needed for lowest common denominators.
But a single boat, 2 times in the last 20 years isn't there yet.
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Lifelines -- Law Powell S2 6.9 #61 Denver -- 7/27/03 4:11p.m.
Re: Lifelines -- Bob Pr., S2 6.7, "The TARDIS", NE Kansas -- 7/27/03 6:09p.m.
-- Law Powell S2 6.9 #61 Denver -- 8/1/03 11:24a.m.
Re: Lifelines, rules, uniformity -- Bob Pr. '81 S2 6.7, "The TARDIS", Topeka -- 8/12/03 12:44p.m.