The divide between SMOD's and Dev classes

Why is it so wide?

I have exclusivly sailed SMOD's for the past 10 years and had a great time in them. They suit me because I want to have it easy - boat off the shelf and a level playing field.

But, I have also has great sailing in development classes.

I perosnally don't really see the SMOD/dev class divide - I just pick what best suits me at the time

However; seems that the two groups struggle to get along; why is that?

Rick

I think that the playing field is "more" level in SMOD fleets due to the fact the the equipment is the "same".

Of course there are manufacturing differences between components but they are pretty similar.

I choose a SMOD because it's an easier way for me to sail - I don't have to think about equipment; I just buy the standard.

Of couse the design of the boat and the components are a key part of the sport in a dev class it's just that dosn't interest me so much.

I think the cost issue is not a dev/smod thing just a supply and demand issue.

I guess that is a fair point; do you think dev classes support a broader weight/height range?

Here

The older classes are one designs, but the tolerences tend to be greater, and so the oppotunities for limited development.

On the subject of SMODs, the main difference in speed, barring helming skill, will be the age of the gear and equipment, which in some classes will last less long than in the development classes - the obvious example will be the difference between a new sail and an old one. Certain one design sails appear to need replacing rather more often than would appear necessary, but to change that would undermine the one design nature of a class.