best skiff

Definitely a case there of too many rules spoil the boat...and the fact that the class seems to add even more complicated rules to stop people trying to get around the already complicated ones in the first place.

i just had a flick through the 16 foot skiff rules and was a bit shocked by the notation at the bottom of rule 2.8.

NOTE:                The following materials have been deemed as prohibited for the purposes of this Rule:-

(a)            Titanium, titanium alloys, titanium oxide and carbon fibre are excluded from use in spars.

Does this not seem like a bit of a crazy rule for a development class which is supposed to be pushing forward technology etc.

When is a skiff not a skiff?

Hypothetical scenario – One builder of I14s develops a dominant design and lots of boats are sold.
Builder spots a marketing opportunity and sets up a smod class association and starts organising events for their particular boats.

So according to the rules of the skiff when the boat is sailing in a class race it’s not a skiff, because no development is allowed, but when sailing in an I14 race it’s a skiff.

Ive got it!   not only was i right in the true skiff style being individual boat wise, but nowadays it seems any boat that has a high power to low weight ratio is a skiff, particulary those that spend 90%of their time on the plane (not sure bout upwind in cherub/12 etc but 14s, 18s 49ers etc all do?) for example you cannot call wanderer skiff like as it has a fair amount of power but it weighs an absoulte ton so wont plane (plus wrong shape hull)

Essentially a skif is designed to plane, take a look at all the hull designs!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by john.d.knight When is a skiff not a skiff? Hypothetical scenario – One builder of I14s develops a dominant design and lots of boats are sold. Builder spots a marketing opportunity and sets up a smod class association and starts organising events for their particular boats. So according to the rules of the skiff when the boat is sailing in a class race it’s not a skiff, because no development is allowed, but when sailing in an I14S race it’s a skiff.

Once you have setup your new "xyz" one design class within the I14 rules, all it will take is the next NEW faster design to make it obsolete. Take for example the beirker? hull in the I14 then every thing pre 2000 is to slow to compete in the I14 and the new class has to the go it alone.

I'm sure the I14 etc. classes wouldn't support a one design class racing within it due to the attempt of stifling development of the class.

The blokes saying that they don't "get" Aussie skiffs, should either;

1. get an understanding by either talking to us when downunder or the UK Cherub blokes

2. stop calling YOUR boats "skiffs", you admit that you don't understand what they are so how can you call your boat something that YOU clearly DON'T understand

I don't call your boats "punts" or any other name because apart form the Aussie designed boats, 49er, B14 etc I haven't a great idea about the boats you sail up there.