New Rule 87

"What interests me is that the rule really protects the commercial interests of the likes of Laser and Topper as I am sure there respective class assocations will not give clubs permission to use replica sails."

The way round this is to consider Toppers or Lasers with replica sails as "Laser type" or "Topper type" boats not as one-design clss boats. They can then enter club handicap racing, but not one design races. If they do sail in the Laser or Topper fleet it should be made clear that they are not available for one-design prizes. By giving them a small handicap penalty it would be possible to run a Laser and Laser type handicap race. This would not be a problem for us as we already run the 3 Laser rigs as one Laser Handicap fleet.

Replica sails should be reserved for training and very low key club-racing.

Gordon

I believe that is an RS event SI not part of the RS class rules

I have been considering how to amend our club's Sailing Instructions to allow replica sails in [low key!] club racing and, prior to reading this thread, was proposing the following:

"2.7     Replica Sails: If a competitor wishes to take part in a Club series and/or cup race in a Single Manufacturer One Design (SMOD) with a non manufacturer provided sail, that competitor must obtain the prior approval of the relevant Class Captain (or, in the case of the Class Captain, the Sailing Secretary) to use such a sail.  RRS 87 shall not apply."

Is this adequate?  Can a club's SI's can overturn a RRS rule that prevents that Club's SI's overturning a Class Association rule?

Agree with Bert.  I can't see any issues with practice sails being used for club racing, surely we all want to see as many people sailing as possible.

The sails don't give any performance advantage and I have no issue with people using them.  I use a practice sail myself and have never had anyone complain to me about it.

Interesting you should say that Rick as I remember a N12 sailor who said the first thing he does when he buys a new boat was take all the lead out. The justification being that 'it's bound to weigh more now than when it was measured'.

That sailor now sails a Merlin at...... WYC

Personally I think anyone who deliberately alters their boat in a way they know to be illegal in an attempt to gain an advantage is guilty of breaching rule 69. Using a replica sail does not fall into this category as the prime reason is cost not performance.