29erXX

That is because the Cherub is a development class, and the handicap reflects not only all the cherubs that are still racing at clubs which make returns, so 1970's cherubs are still in the mix, but also there is a year or 2's catch up to play anyway. You also have to take into account performance right across the board - are Cherubs really faster in a drifter?

975 spot on? not sure myself. closer to 900 would be better. Or perhaps a split handicap for 2005 rules/old rules boats. Most of the older boats have been converted in to 97 rules rigs by now, if not, 2005 rules. Going by the boats that were at last years nats?

Having sailed a normal 29er against a 2005 rules cherb in various places in various conditions i reckon it should be around 910, comparing speed etc around the course. It is a bit slower than the 9er upwind due to water line length etc, but downwind the cherub makes up its losses and a bit more.

Isn't Phil trying to collate results from last years SSR GP to formulate a more reasonable handicap for the 05 rules boats?

When i sailed the XX (prototype i believe, but essentially the same boat) it seemed very quick upwind and down. But i really doubt it was faster than the RS800. Just from my own opinion i reckon 850 is a realistic figure. Although, i havn't seen any provisional PY's anywhere.