I think the reason for the changes is to "harmonize" non-ODCA racing with PHRF.
The first change in that direction was to change the Genoa from 150%
to 155% to match PHRF. PHRF chose that number so that cotton canvas
sails cut to 150% would not be out of measure after they had
stretched. With stretchless synthetics, sails for PHRF were cut to
155 to begin with. It seemed a waste to have a 150 for class and a
155 for PHRF, so the class caught up and harmonized.
Since PHRF does not limit fabrics, we would have again been faced
with having a Dacron 155 for class and a high-tech 155 for PHRF. So
the class harmonized. When the rule was passed, sail experts in SODA
said the added cost would be nearly paid back in added lifetime.
I'm in favor of harmonizing. When an Estuary beercan SI says that
Class rules apply, there is seldom a ruling from the class as to what
sails to use; everybody just breaks out the Genoas, same as PHRF. And
if there are not enough Tunas on the line we may end up in a PHRF
division anyway.
-tc
At 09:29 PM 11/26/2007, Nancy & Pat Broderick wrote:
>Jan and Others,
>>My question is how Kevlar got passed anyway? I think we should go
>back into the By-Laws and make sure "sanctioned" includes the Summer
>Spinnaker Series (Vallejo, several HDA races, Pumpkin, etc.). Since
>we can use our Genoas in those races, I'd hate show up and find a
>bunch of non-white Genoas on the Starting Line. I'd also include
>other races where we have a One Design Class or Division that is
>sailed with chutes and Genoas (some Mid-Winters like Berkeley).
>>I'm frankly getting tired of folks thinking we need to hot rod up our
>boats. We should compete evenly with each other and as far as I'm
>concerned we do okay against other kinds of boats in PHRF races.
>Next thing we know someone will begin altering keels and rudders (I
>know I'd love a longer elliptical rudder myself, especially for
>spinnaker work on those ocean races with higher winds and seas).
>>If we all agreed to use bed sheets in one design racing we'd all
>still be equal, wouldn't we? Okay, enough ranting from me. This is
>the end of my conversation for tonight.
>>Pat
>>>On Nov 26, 2007, at 8:51 PM, Jan Grygier and Patti Boucher wrote:
>>>Gee, I hate it when someone shows how faulty my brain is
>>becoming... Ted is indeed correct.
>>>>jan