I don't yet have our boat, but have watched its construction through pictures from Alan. We are anxious to get it, and hopefully will have it soon when Alan brings hull #10 to DFW. Although I haven't even sailed the boat, here are some rules comments that I hope will be helpful.
First, with respect to the motor, I saw an interesting ad in a WM flyer for a battery powered motor with built in battery that weighs something like 25 pounds. That type of thing would probably be more than sufficient for us lake sailors, but would put others at an extreme disadvantage weight wise where that type of motor would not be an option. The same could be said with respect to the small 2 strokes, etc. Therefore, perhaps a weight minimum would serve an equalizing purpose and allow for different owners to use their preferred motor.
Second, let's make sure the rules allow the TackTick T075 and instruments like it, especially since Rocket Boats offers it in the boat package.
Third, why not allow boats in 1D events to carry both spinnakers, and allow the crews to decide which one and make changes even within a race. That would make for some interesting tactics.
Fourth, I can see the advantage of going with a 750 pound weight limit for crews to allow 4 men to sail the boat. It would not be much of an issue for us since we sail with women on board. Also, I propose that the rules state that the crew that weighs in must sail every race in the regatta, not just the day's races.
Fifth, I would limit sail purchases to one jib per year and mains/spinnakers every other year.
Sixth, no changes to foils or standing rigging should be allowed. I am in favor of the current provisions that do not allow fairing of the hull or keel except to repair damage.
Finally, I would prohibit pros on board during class events. On the other hand, I would not limit the steering to the owner as long as the owner is on board.
2 comments:
Jim,
I am in agreement with all of your proposals.
With respect to #1, why not make the miinimum weight something like 25 pounds with minimum power being 2.5 HP. If the engine weighs less then the minimum the difference could be made up with weights. This would help to prevent having underpowered motors in use.
I am not taking possession until August as things currently stand, but would like to suggest that we need to have these proposals drafted before the start of this season, rather than wait much longer.
In regards to Hiking:
We should allow hiking.
We can limit the amount someone hikes by maintaing that all lifelines are required to remain taught without sag and cushions on the middle wire prohibited.
In regards to sail purchases per year.
We are a high tech class, not a class like the Shields, where sails are very restrictive. Some of the discussions on the blog about sail card limitations appear to be geared toward family boats like the Flyin Scots.
Not saying that these classes are in anyway bad, I have raced both of them and have fond memories.
But, they are geared toward a different racing segment.
We want to attract competitive sailors, and at the sametime bolster an image of positive sail cost management.
I suggest a sail card format that is modified from the Etchells class. Their format has been very successful and attracts sailors who are very competitive from a broad range of financial positions.
On the whole, it is my oppinion that most individauls that want to purchase and race Sportboats are not going to favor being limited to less than one suit of sails per calendar year.
Notes for possible rule format:
1) Owners are allowed to purchase One new set of sails per calendar year, "Calendar Period" dictated by the Class Association.
2) Owner may purchase two new sets of sails during first calendar year after boat is purchased. Rule is reciprical for older boats during first calendar year after OD rules are ratified.
3) If owner passes on sail purchase during a given calendar year, sail credit is not applied to future calendar years.
3) Sail cards are required to be maintained by owners and a master copy is maintained at the Class Office. Sail card follows with boat when ownership changes.
3) A One Design suit of sails consists of the following sails:
a) One Symetrical Spinnaker
b) One Asymetrical Spinnaker
c) Two Jibs
d) One Main with or without reef points
4) Owner can opt to not purchase one type of spinnaker, but no substitutions are allowed for total number of a given spinnaker type.
When sailing in Rocket 22 Class sanctioned events:
1) Owners are allowed to only measure one suit of sails per regatta, with one additional spinnaker from sail card inventory, identified as spare. Use of spare spinnaker in a "given regatta" is only allowed if measurement committe or class officer deems primary spinnaker damaged beyond repair. Spare spinnaker is not allowed to be carried on boat while racing unless allowed by NOR.
2) Owners can measure sails from previous calendar years, but total number of sails and type cannot exceed number and type definition of suit.
Non Sanctioned events (Offshore):
Measurement certificate disctates number and type of sails.
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