Two matters arose at the AGM in Kingston recently on which the executive would like guidance from the members.  The most hotly debated was that of the class weight rule which limits crew weight to a total maximum of 1004 lb.  In recent years the class measurer with the support of the executive has relaxed the weight limit enforced for the North American Championship at CORK.  This was accomplished by offsetting the zero of the official scales so that about 10 pounds was subracted from the measured weight of each crew member.  The purpose of this was to ensure that no boat was excluded simply because they were a few pounds over the limit.  This year the limit was compromised to a greater extent than in previous years.  As a result the feeling was expressed by some of the majority of crews who respect the limit that a few boats were taking advantage of the generous scales.  They have roposed that the class invest in a new set of digital scales which can be zeroed precisely each time they are used.  These would be made available at major regattas during the season for test "weigh-in" so that crews would have a chance to know in advance of CORK whether they would experience a problem at registration.  Your opinion is sought by the class association executive on the following questions:

• Should the class weight rule be strictly enforced at the next N. Am. Championship or should we retain the measurers right to adjust the scales?
• Should the class weight limit remain the same, be increased or decreased slightly?
• If a strict weight limit is enforced what is the best method to ensure that crews are able to participate when they register at Kingston given the normal variability of home scales.

Weight rules should be enforced. If not enforced, then the rule should be dropped. If a crew of 6+ weighs over the limit at a major regatta, they willlikely find an eager underweight boat ready to pickup the extra crew.

It would be nice to see Impact as a participant in the NA's at Cork.

I was at the AGM in Kingston, I do not remember the topic as hotly debated.  I do remember a passing comment, but not a hotly debated issue. 

I would like to see a limit on the number of people on the boat, not on the actual weight.  I prefer to sail the boat with six people, but I know a large number of people that prefer to sail the boat with five.  The only time weight is an issue, is in heavy air sailing.  I do not know anybody, either a L28 sailor or a professional weatherperson that can predict the weather, especially the wind efficiently. 

I beleive the way the boat is sailed is a personal preferrence.  Many people feel that there aren't enough jobs to have six people on the boat, again this is personal preferrence.

Any other thoughts on the topic???

Speak up, let's get the discussion page happening.

Denise

CAN 114

My one season of racing (mostly PHRF) has shown that we are alot faster with 6 on board even if two are just making sandwiches and tending bar. Clearly in heavy air we need the extra bodies to sail to our 123 rating. In moderate winds (10-15kts) I have found that we can stay powered up and flat much longer with 6. I often race midweek white sail races in Toronto harbour with only 3 or 4 and we really struggle to keep up with the "lead mines" in moderate air. 6 on board and we are always in the hunt.

I used to race j24s and there were several "too serious" racers who abused the weight rules. Max weight was almost always faster in the J fleet (400kg).

-Doug

What is the latest for the class crew limit? We have never raced strict L28 one design.

6 crew or weight limit? No beer or peanuts for the crew

Impact will be in Kingston this August for CORK.

Complete text of the Class rules and Constitution are available from the main page of the site under the Class drop down menu.

Looking forward to seeing Impact at Cork.