Singlehanded BOX rule

I think the previous suggestions of the single handed box rule have never really gotten off the ground as they have always included the statement "instead of racing handicap, race scratch". I've never really understood this exclusive rather than inclusive approach. 

As someone who prepares multiple sets of results for my club, it would be so straightforward to dual score a series grouping all of the singlehanders together in one series with no handicaps applied. This approach would keep the people happy who want to race handicap, and those that aren't interested in handicap race results have a separate file showing series results with no handicap applied.

What I struggle to come to terms with is that while the handicap system isn't perfect it does go a long way to ironing out the differences in performances over the different conditions we might face. I'm lucky as I sail one of the faster boats on the list (would probably need the biggest box to put it in as well) and I have a pretty good idea that I would beat a Farr 3.7 over the water in my 300 every time (no disrespect to Farr sailors anywhere - that's just an example). Is that fair on the Farr sailor? Why would he bother to turn up every Sunday? Messing with the boats rigs to equalise them would cost a lot of people a lot of money so who would sign up for that? Are you going to suggest improvements to make a Farr as quick as a 300, or are you going to slow my boat down? No thanks.

If a box rule was the only option available with no handicap adjustment I'd lose all interest in sailing and would probably go and spend my time doing something else instead. Likewise if fleet racing was the only option at my club - the only boat I might be vaguely be competitive in would be a flying fifteen and i'd rather pull my toe nails off with a pair of rusty pliers one by one than sail one of those every week.

So I guess my point is not to constantly belittle the handicap system, saying it cannot be taken seriously etc etc, but work with it and your results people at your club. If they are using sailwave and you want fleets scored in a different way it would take a few minutes additional work to sort out and no added future burden as you still only input finishing times and lap counts once per race in the future and the program works everything else out. If a group of people are interested in doing it why not just try it? Be inclusive rather than exclusive.

Maybe I'm the odd one out as I still don't quite understand the appeal of racing classes with large disparities in speed scratch against each other. If you have a free PY system to use why not just use it and if the numbers aren't working on your water for whatever reason tweak them. The tools are available. And if someone says oh the people at our club wouldn't ever want us to mess with the numbers dual score again. Its so simple. Have a series scored with normal handicaps to keep those people happy, and have another series scored with modified numbers to keep those people happy. It's about being inclusive not exclusive again and so easy to do.

Anyway, Happy Christmas everyone!

http://www.rssailing.com/en/news/rs-aero-gains-world-sailing-class-status

If we are talking generically, then I guess the guy that started the thread would be one.  I know Peaky's interested in the concept and I have chatted with others who show some signs of thinking the ideas of box rules and existing dinghy classes coming under category umbrellas have merits - but you are absolutely spot on to say this view is very much a minority stand point, hence why I regret to say the OP is punching a brick wall.    

As for our club, I agree with a lot of what you say.  We still have very active fleet racing in multiple classes for those that want it, and handicap racing for everyone else.  My comments on this thread are generally aimed at being more generic- I think all the other clubs around us are handicap only these days.  Thats not a good 'fall back' position if we go 'Bewl' or get ripped off like Chew, I doubt our pocket would run as deep.  But anyway, let's hope that's not going to happen!  We have the best of both worlds in my opinion.  The fact that I can put the laser down for a season or two and get some racing/race training on my board in a mixed fleet is very, very welcome.  Much as I may like to think that out of the ether springs a fleet of something new and exciting, (not fussy... there's at least 10 classes I would join as the 11th deposit down), I'm also very much aligned to ensuring the Laser doesn't lose momentum... I'll probably buy another one in a season or two once circumstances change or I have had enough of racing boards / traveling to board racing events.   

My comment on struggling for PROs came from the horses mouth when I signed up to Dutyman this season... I won't do the PRO duty, but happy to take on the role of Assistant... but probably not a discussion for here, suffice to say my experiences have been similar to those closer to your home.  As for taking times, I remain unconvinced that they are recorded all that accurately.  They never have been when I've witnessed it, and that's most certainly not exclusively at Draycote, if anything our PROs take it more seriously than another club I was at in the not so distant past, and certainly a hell of a lot more seriously than clubs I was a member of years ago.