I'm curious about the non-comp-tip mast issue as well. I'm all for improving the boats over time, but I don't think it's fair to change the rules to say "you older boats need to buy expensive new equipment to even meet the new boat specs." I think older boats (cough cough my 1972 H16 cough cough) should be grandfathered-in.
I'm sure my boat will be slower than a 2004 H16 so I think the aluminum-masted boats are hardly a threat. It'd just be fun to race against other Hobies.
Just my 2¢, with a realization that my humble opinion is unlikely to change anything.
Warm regards,
Jim
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Hull #3404
Sail #3403