D-One - open sailmakers?

?? Knowing the build spec as you do I can see how you can draw that conclusion.

As for sails nothing to hide or Hyde so to speak...Ben if you have a question about the history or rules, probably best to ask on the Facebook page or one of the committee/me directly.  Open forums, especially one like this where people are keen pull posts out of context is not helpful for anyone.  As to open sails and norths post, I would suggest that given north had not approached the class or as I understand it the builder their post is willy off the mark.  The class is now looking at opening up the rules as to sail makers, it will be controlled and given the politics, testing, QC etc. it is in my opinion a LONG way off. Remember we have to consult all the national class associations which also has issues around language differences. The idea is to help control the cost of sails and also widen up the class to sailors which already have affiliation to other sail makers.  It is NOT to create a faster product, if it's found that the sails will be faster then my vote is for NO to a rule change.  But as I mentioned before there are hurdles to jump over before a proposal is put to the membership.  Let's be perfectly honest, we are a small class currently why would we want to change something that dramatically will improve the performance of a boat that frankly already performs so well?

As to the historic position of the sails, the boat was initially developed with Hyde sails.  The class then switched to North fairly early on.  The sails are virtually identical.  I have probably spent more time sailing both sails manufacturers then anyone and I can't notice any difference.  The kites have always been built in Poland. Apart from the earliest versions which were also produced by Hyde.  North also offer kites but these are optional extras when new, same kite but a more robust cloth.  No speed difference at all.

Again this is no secret, it's always been the case.  It's no secrets (see the photos posted by Jimbo above)

As to rule wording, they are on their second version (iirc) and are in their infancy so are evolving as we find mistakes or loop holes.  People find loop holes in long established class rules, so give us a break.  In fact if you sail in the class help us out by volunteering to scrutinise the rules.

Anyway sorry I have not posted earlier, but I have recently been promoted at work and just don't have time to post on the forum much anymore.