Question about class-legal V. non-class-legal

Is it possible to race a non-class-legal boat (okay like mine with an all-aluminum mast ) in a race for the learning aspect of it without being in the running for points or anything?

The reason I ask is that I've heard person after person say that you can sail all day alone but it's in a race where you really learn to go fast; I do plan to acquire a class-legal boat in the future, but I'd like to be able to sail mine to its limits first.

If *not* then what would y'all recommend?

Just curious.

_________________
Warm regards,

Jim



"A little crazy but with big balls."

It is posible in open class races. I dont think its legal in a "strict hobie class" race.

I did not know that the all aluminum mast are now illegal?

Jamie,
If you want to race you just need to come on out and race. I am with Fleet 64 out of Austin and we have chosen to race as open hull events because of the amount of non-hobie sailors we have. Don't get me wrong, we have many hobie sailors, I am one myself, that race. We just felt that the sport needs to expand and thrive by allowing everyone to race. It is nice though when my hobie whips up on a prindle 18, 19, etc.
Because of this, we have also allowed everyone to race. As long as your boat is not modified in a way to jack with its portsmouth rating, extreme cut on sails, carbon fiber frames, etc. we will let you race.
You are exactly right when you mention that racing will make you a better and faster sailor. We have some of the best sailors in our fleet and at our regattas. The wealth of knowledge that they bring is tremendous. What is nice though is that they do not mind sharing it.
Unfortunately our racing season just ended, but we will begin again in March. The websites if you would like to take a look at them is:

www.catamaran.ws
www.texascitydike.com

If you are able we are going to attend the Fall Regatta at Lake Travis in Austin this weekend. Also, watch the catamaran.ws website for a race we have at the end of this month called the Wurstfest. It will happen at Canyon Lake and is a blast.

I am still trying to get to Angelo, but am just way busy at the moment. When I get a chance I will let you know when I might be able to come up.

Keep the pointy end up,
Mike

Say man, thanks for the info. Unfortunately I won't be here after next March because I'll be graduating then. I'd love to come to Austin this weekend but I already have plans. If you can give me more info about the end-of-Oct race though, I might be interested in that!

_________________
Warm regards,

Jim



"A little crazy but with big balls."

Jim,

The rules say you have one "exemption" to race without a CompTip, after that, you must either have one or show that you've tried to get one and they're backordered by the factory. Backorders are pretty rare. (The CompTip rule has been in effect since 1989.)

As a practical matter, most competitors tend to look the other way when a new sailor shows up with a solid aluminum mast. It's more important that they get involved initially. Where it becomes an issue is when you start to do well against other boats. You run the risk of being protested by another competitor and you will have no defense.

If you look around, you might be able to find a used CompTip mast for less than what it would be to buy a new CompTip. (I bet there's a bunch of parts for sale in FL these days . Straight masts might be hard to come by though.)

If I were to start doing well against other competitors I'd probably buy a whole new boat anyway and bring this one back up to my family's cabin in northern WI where it's been for the last 20 years.

That said we should just go back to all-aluminum masts and make people sign a liability release waiver saying if they hit power lines then they're stupid and won't sue. :sigh:

_________________
Warm regards,

Jim



"A little crazy but with big balls."

RIGHT ON JAMIE!!!!!

Yeah,

But then some Hobie 16 crew will sue Hobie Cat saying an all aluminum mast "Made Them Fat."

Hmm.

Sorry.... I just saw "SUPERSIZE ME" and couldn't resist.