Measurement cert and handicap racing.

Originally posted by RS400atC Originally posted by alstorer Perhaps add to the NoR for such events: "Experimental and out-of-class modifications are permitted; these must be declared on entry and a handicap penalty may be applied" ? I think trialling modifications (within limits) needs to be encouraged in PY racing. Expecting classes to adopt untried changes isn't great, neither is not changing  because the changes are untried. The big winter events have often been seen as a show case for new stuff, they should be proud of that and accomodate it in a structured way.

I think lots of classes allow trialling modifications within their own class racing so the rpos / cons can be measured in a racing environment. They usually allow this to happen under the proviso that the tester is not eligible for a result.

as far as im concerend under the rules if your not in class youre out of it, the wording in the new rules certainly implies you dont have to have a certificate, but that if you have class rules you stick to them, unless you have asked for and been given dispensation by the people running the race.

I suspect there's a bit of text somwhere that says SIs take precedence over other rules when there's a conflict. ie in handicap racing we (B14s) need to do 720 penalty turns asap rather than the 360 when the kite is down that we do in class events...

Perhaps add to the NoR for such events:

"Experimental and out-of-class modifications are permitted; these must be declared on entry and a handicap penalty may be applied"

?

Realistically the measurement certificate means nothing unless there are scrutineers about and other class members who are vigilant.   There are people who will happily remove their correctors for club or handicap racing, likewise how easy is it in a smod to do a nice little bimble which is out of class?

For my part, I would rather see much more attention given to crimes and misdemeanours involving mark roundings, starting rules, right of way encounters, pumping and other on the water stuff, than I would for the more technical infringements.  That's not to say we should adopt an anything goes approach, but in a sport which badly needs technical development I don't think we should make testing new kit so much more of a crime than not giving a 'lesser' class the on the water rights it is due.