Measurement cert and handicap racing.

Originally posted by Contender443

Originally posted by Contender443

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.

This certainly hapened in the Contender class when carbon spars were tested. If the mast builder / sailmaker wanted to win he would use alloy spars. If he did not want a result and wanted to test the carbon rig he declared it and was out of the results.

This is what should happen in PY handicap events or a set % added to the handicap if a modification is notified. We are trying to stop people turning up with carbon spars when it is not allowed in class or to turn up with more sail area. Remember when the 505s adopted their larger kite. Imagine what would have happened if they had turned up at the Tiger in the days before it was approved and did not declare it.

Finally I think the PY committee should set a handicap for a Laser with a Rooster sail as there are plenty of them out there handicap racing. Our club allows them and gives them a handicap. The fact that it is the same as an official Laser sail is just a coincidence...

+1

I can't think why people would think any differently.