Class Rules in Club Races.

To what extent would you overlook class rules in club handicap races?

Looking for opinions on this one. Personally I like to keep my boat spot on rule wise for club races but I notice that some aren't quite so picky. Non Class sails being an obvious and understandable example.

I've quite fancied fitting a gybing strop on the boom but class rules don't allow.

I Know opinions will vary and peace and harmony in club houses is an important factor as well.

Your opinions would be appreciated

Edited by GK.LaserII

If the boat is not "in class" then there may be a case for modifying the handicap. You could, for instance penalise Lasers by several PY points if they are using non class sails.

An extreme case - a Wayfarer with a trapeze (often done in sailing schools) could race, but not with the Wayfarer PY.

Gordon

Fundamentally not at all. Handicaps are based on class rules. If you don't like the class rules of a given class sail a different one... Goodness knows there's enough of a choice!

However there is a case for granting a bit of slack in the case of some of the more hassly ones... If someone has one of those classes with complicated weight equalisation rules and just leaves the boat on the settings for their regular crew if someone else guests then that might be OK. However it ought to be declared to the race officer and they shouldn't complain if given a penalty handicap...

On sails I don't think I've come across anyone who can't afford to be class compliant: just use the old rag until you've saved up enough for a proper one or get a second hand one. If you don't *want* to use the old rag, well that's another matter. The phrase "well tough" springs to mind!

Edited by JimC

This topic has been discussed a number of times, and attracts strong views. Some, like JimC above, are in favour of maintaining the classic single supplier ethos for SMODS like the Laser 1. Others take the view that allowing £150 replica sails in club sailing is desirable as it reduces costs and is likely to increase participation. From previous posts (and its probably worth a poll) I'd guess that around 70% of clubs seem to take a relaxed view on replica sails/parts.

At my club the sailing committee takes a relaxed view on replica parts in club handicap racing. The reason we take a relaxed view is that:

1). We assume the motivation for our members wanting to use replica parts (and so far it hasn't gone beyond non class legal Laser and Topper sails) is purely cost. We assume no performance advantage is being gained. We'd take a completely different view if someone strapped on a £150 replica Laser sail and blasted the rest of the fleet. However, we've never seen that happen but if we did then we'd take appropriate action.

2). We're not convinced by the manufacturer led FUD on the subject of replica parts. As with anything else, the market will decide if, for example, a manufacturer supplied Laser sail is priced appropriately and will seek an alternate source if it isn't.

3). We were unimpressed by the rule changes that attempt to prevent clubs from modifying class rules, which some classes (eg Laser) have jumped on to try and use as an anti replica parts stick. We will try and find ways around this as we think its unreasonable.

Other clubs and other committees no doubt see things differently, but our motivation was purely about what we think will help us get more boats on the water.