18 SX rule change?

I think you have stated that as well as can be stated. The H18 can not run with the F18, there are not enough SX's sailed to matter, so rule changes either way won't make any difference. In my area getting 5 H18's to the line is almost impossible, 3 is critical mass. I am lucky that I have both rigs but it doesn't matter, I still end up racing open class. And the portsmouth number for the 18 may have been good when the boats were new but my 20+ year old boat can't sail to that number. I am going to continue to argue that my boats number should be based on the SX and not the SE and see if that gets me anywhere.

IMO the new rule is a huge change for players.
Does anyone made specific training on how to manage situation with this new rule?
I mean especially for 25yds situation, both defence and offence.

Stats

Reviving an old topic, but . . . since Hobie no longer makes class legal sails for the 18SX would the 18 class be willing to allow an 18SX with a pinhead dacron mainsail?

Skipshot, that would be a good idea. Pinhead main is same design and regular 18 main, just two feet taller. Do it. Would not see any resistance to this in the Nor Cal group. Also would love to see a rule modification as mentioned in earlier post to allow hi tech line to be used in lieu of wire for the trap lines. This is not a huge change and would not make or break a boat.
Also I sail an old (1978) H18 and won a few regattas last year against newer and nicer H18s. Skipper makes a big difference.
Going back, there are not enough SX boats out there for one design. I say let em race with regular H18's, but use pin top mains like stock H18s use. Ryan

"Can open, worms all over"

"Its the same, except"
its a fuel injected, supercharged, balanced and blueprinted, ported and polished, super aerodynamic version of a Hobie 18.

two feet taller, two feet longer, 20 pounds lighter, pick your poison.

Once it is different, it is no longer "one design" and where do you draw the line.
Just saying............

If you are sailing at an open regatta, take the hit on rating and have fun.

If you are sailing a Hobie Regatta, pre discuss it with the other skippers and come up with an acceptable solution that race management can live with.

(I don't expect you to be bound by a decision WE make for our group, and I don't want to be bound by a decision you make for your group)

Local solutions do not constitute "rule changes"

I am as pure a one design sailor as you will probably ever meet, but if someone shows up with some variation of a H-18, at one of our local regattas, we are going to do our best to find a way to get him on the water racing, and keep him coming back for more.

Championship events, that is a different story,
ya gotta toe the line at Area Championships and North American Championship events,
for reasons that should be obvious.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

You'll get no argument from me, Stephen. Just asking. It's easier for me to change than to ask the whole class to change. The locals don't mind if I race w/o wings and the stock main, but the pentex square head is verboten.

I am delighted to hear that you and the rest of your local sailors have found a solution that works for you guys.

Local solutions usually are the best and easiest way to handle these kinds of things.

Where we tend to get into trouble is when we try to paint with too broad a brush.

The most important thing is to keep as many sailors on the water, and as happy as possible.

Congrats on finding a middle ground that works for everyone in your area.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.