Bob Rutsch
Governor at Large
Registered: 04/03/00
Posts: 527
Loc: Maryland, USA
At least two boats that normally race PHRF in their local optimized configuration have previously attended J/30 NA's: J/Doe from CA/BVI (1999, 2006, 2007) and Hush Gully from Minneapolis (1996). Both used loaner boats and at least some borrowed sails to meet class rules.
About ten years ago Cool Change from Hampton, VA sailed the Screwpile Regatta in Solomons Island, MD once or twice in PHRF trim, though I don't recall what it was that made them different and the boat has never been measured. Within a couple years they switched to class sails and now have a One Design Rating (ODR), although for reasons I cannot explain the J/30 ODR in Hampton is 141 vs. 144 in Annapolis.
This seems to be a hot issue with a number of people. This is not an emotional thing with me, nor am I trying to sell the change of the J-30 ODR to be optimized for PHRF . The question I am posing has to do with looking at our ODR specs. to see if matches what the owners are doing in their local area or want to do in their local area. Then if it makes sense consider modifying the J-30 specs. I suspect the folks that race PHRF will optimize their boats for that rating and for those that have enough boats to predominately race one design will stay as they are. Keep in mind if you are racing one design then it doesn't matter what the configuration it as long as it is the same. Of the hundreds of J-30s, how many travel to the class events? I don't know if changing to the PHRF tailored spec would change that, but if you race PHRF at home then you wouldn’t have to buy or borrow sails to compete in a national event. There used to be 4 J-30s in Key West, now I am the only one, so one design racing is not relevant for me. My main racing has been PHRF; keep in mind I have seen the j-30 ODR PHRF in SEF be 129 for a number of years (probably 15-20 years). Over the years the majority of J-30s that traveled to Key West for race week, opted for the 155% due to the rating penalty of the 163%. In the early 80’s ZAN had the J length pole and smaller headsail for PHRF racing, she also had one design sails and pole that came with the boat in case they wanted to race one design. It was their choice to spend the extra money. In response to your question, I probably would have traveled to a National event 15 years ago, but not now. I would like to see some J-30s come down to KW race week.
LUMPY
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Scott Davis Night Nurse #363
NaturalHigh
Senior Member
Registered: 10/12/09
Posts: 255
Loc: Squamish, British Columbia
I ordered an oversize main for PHRF but am hanging on to my 1982 OD main in case we get some OD going in the PNW (hey, we actually won some races with it last year!). When I get a new headsail it will be a 155% to improve the rating as I will be sailing with 133 with my big main (ouch). In BC, a J/30 base boat is 145. I don't know if they acknowledge a ODR rating (should be 139 here).
Once I get a 155, I'll still hang on to my 163 so I have the OD option.
Russ Atkinson
Senior Member
Registered: 09/19/00
Posts: 252
Loc: Rockwood, MI, USA
According to the local Doyle sailmaker, he claims that a PHRF legal main would have the following demensions.
Section 5.2 Mains replace 5.1223 with MGT=.891 MGU= 1.506 MGM= 2.621 I haven't taken the time to look into this. Perhaps someone knows what this all means and wishes to offer comment or thought.
The Doyle sail maker recommended the above change and also recommended changing the number of battens from 4 to 5
I mentioned the 5 batten recommendation in my post about main sail materil but not the recommnedation on sail demensions. I will not include the sail demension change nor the batten change in my request to th BOG about main sail material change. Someone else can pick up the standard and fight those battles
I've posted my thoughts on PHRF racing in another section - simply stated, I'm happy with the current ODR configuration with the exception of the main sail material.
My suggestion to active PHRF raceres - challenge your local PHRF to waive the 3 second penalty on the pole. Other classes such as the Hobie 33 have oversized poles and don't take the penalty.