Hammond wrote:
First, it was not my intent to start a battle. The question was just that, a question.
Second, I am not sure the EPO blades violate the letter of the rules, but the EPO blades may violate the intent, hence the question. I do not want to split hairs on this. One design racing is just that.
The Hobie 20 rule 1.1 Rudder blades, rudder assemblies and dagger boards shall be stock as supplied by the HOBIE CAT CO. Only HOBIE CAT CO. supplied after market rudders are allowed to replace stock rudders.
The EPO blade is a HOBIE CAT CO. supplied after market rudder. The question is was the intent to allow any Hobie Cat supplied rudder to be legal or only the exact same molded rudder made out of other material?
The EPO blades look cool, are slightly smaller, and may be stiffer. The real question is the question of performance. I am not sure if there is any difference either positive or negative.
So, given that the EPO2 is a Hobie Cat Co. supplied after market rudder, I still think I am in the rule.