I hereby propose that the J/30 Class Rules be amended as follows:

1) "Rule 5.12.6 Spinnaker" be amended to read "Rule 5.12.6 Spinnakers"
2) Rule 5.12.6.1 be amended to read "Two primary spinnakers may be carried, one of minimum cloth weight 40 grams or 0.75 oz. nominal and 0.9 oz. actual weight, and one 32 grams or 0.5 oz. nominal and 0.7 oz. actual weight. Spinnakers must be made of nylon. Airex 650 is one of several approved cloths that meet the 0.75 oz. requirement, Airex 500 is one of several approved cloths that meet the 0.50 oz. requirement."
3) Rule 6.2.1. be amended to read "The number of sails on board during a regatta series or race shall be a minimum of four: #1 and #3 genoas, mainsail and 0.75 oz. spinnaker. Two additional spinnakers may be carried: a 0.5 oz spinnaker which may be used at owners discretion, and a backup 0.75 oz which can be carried, but only may be used if the primary .75 oz. spinnaker is damaged. The #2 is optional."
4) Rule 6.2.4 be amended to read ": "Except as provided herein, each class sail may be replaced a maximum of once in a calendar year; spinnaker purchases are limited to one per calendar year (One .5 and one .75 may be purchased in the first year of this rule change) . If a new sail is damaged beyond repair, it may be replaced only with the approval of the local fleet governing body. Local fleets may further limit replacement of sails and restrict the use of old sails after they are replaced."
Rationale:

1) The J/30 is notoriously speed challenged in light conditions. Having the option of a
0.5 oz. spinnaker in light conditions would improve the quality of the one design competition by keeping some races from devolving into drifters, in which finish order is often based on luck.
2) As the fleet has aged, more boats spend a greater proportion of the time racing in PHRF handicap fleets. Having a 0.5 oz. spinnaker will improve the competitiveness of the J/30 in light air PHRF racing, which should make the boat more attractive to purchase for PHRF racing (as well as making the boat more fun to sail in light air).
3) By limiting spinnaker purchases to one per season, this change would not have an impact on the cost of ownership, while still adding to performance as noted above.

Implementation:

This rule change would take effect for the 2016 season

Charlie Stoddard
J30 Class Measurer