just a quick note on the sail debate. I think most people would appreciate the rules staying the same for now. The class here in the Boston area is trying to put together some one design racing and we have five to six boat pretty excited about it. We are not going to be strict about what the main is made out of or if they had a 155 on a furler. Right now it is about growth and the j-30 class here. Most boats still sail phrf but if we can get together and encourage this kind of racing here, it will only add and help on the national level. And here was my sail inventory at the National. Main made in 1991 (not used often by the old owners) Borrowed #1 jib from David Bows(10" to short on the hoist) A 30 yr old # 3(going to buy a new one this year). New chute from North.
Best regards
Luke Buxton
Evelyn

Luke-you had some impressive speed given that inventory! Of course it helps that you seemed to go the right way a lot :-). The common thread between you and Bengt seems to be the new chute...

I'm fine with the inventory we are currently allowed to carry-although personally I like the option of the 1/2 oz. I could be convinced on the full hoist #3, but I don't think there is a lot of support for that change in the fleet.

The #3 was designed to be used in conjunction with the #1 & #2. The fact that people choose to carry their #1 beyond it's designed range or choose not to carry a #2, doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the #3. Suppose you make the #3 max luff length. What are you planning to use when it blows 30? Filling a bucket to the brim may not be the best way to carry water. You might take a look at the J/22 or J/24 jib—neither is a full hoist. I’m not a sailmaker, but I'd suppose there's a reason for this.

Below is the official PHRF-NB response to a potential change in spinnaker cloth weight:

From: phrfadmin@phrf-nb.org
Subject: RE: Question on Change in J/30 Rating if Spinnaker Changes
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:35:49

Hello Bill....PHRF-NB doesn't handicap sail weights for any sails...there would be no change in the rating for the J/30 ...Hope this helps, Best, Pat

Patricia Beausoleil
PHRF-NB

So basically if you race PHRF and need/want a .5 oz then get it - seems like there is no need to change the rule.

I completly agree that if you look at #3 as part of the 1,2,3 set it is perfect. I race with the #2 and find it an excellent sail for the conditions so I think the #3 is fine.

I think the wording in proposed change for 6.2.1 would provide a significant advantage to those boats with two different weight spinnakers if rule 5.12.6.1 is approved. Using the wording "in a given race" would imply that over the course of a series (such as the NOOD's, the NA's, or even a one day event with multiple races) a boat could decide which chute to use in each race based on the prevailing conditions. This would be a distinct advantage to boats with two different weight sales if the wind drops/increases during the course of an event.

Phil - when the wording for 6.2.1 was discussed at the 18 Sept 2008 BOG meeting, there was no discussion of the lighter weight spinnaker then. Rather it was to clarify when the replacement spinnaker could be used during a race. The intention being that only 1 single spinnaker was to be used during a race (setup, launch, douse, repack, ...) rather than swapping "ready packed" sails. It provides the procedure to allow use of the backup and for notification "as soon as practicable" if the primary spinnaker is damaged.

I concur with your analysis if the lighter weight spinnaker were allowed as a change to 5.12.6.1d. If the rule change for allowing 0.5oz spinnaker does not pass, I think that the proposed 6.2.1 wording is a proper change.

Phil, Tell me more about this rule: One permanently fitted manual bilge pump operable from the cockpit with all hatches, lockers and companionways closed. If handle is removable, it shall be tethered to prevent loss

I have in place an automatic bilge with a float switch. I removed the old pump that was in the stern of the cockpit. Is this OD rule talking about the old version. I do have on the boat a portable and manual bilge as a backup but I store below in the cabin.

Thanks,
Jon

Jon - that rule has always been there. This rule change only puts it in the one design category added to the list. Yes it refers to the original pump. I also installed an electric pump with a float switch, but I'm sure it does not have the capacity the manual pump has. The electric pump is a convenience, not a safety backup. The manual pump rule is what you'll see in almost any offshore race requirement - the ability to pump at capacity without relying on external power.

I'm looking at the preliminary pole results and would like to understand the mixed feelings indicated in the straw pole that makes mainsail reef points optional (5.12.2.6). The proposed change is a way to reduce the cost of buying a main, while not changing the intended shape (for a full main). I spoke to a North Sails rep, and he indicated that the reef points add about $300 to the cost of a J/30 main sail. It does not penalize someone who desires to either incorporate or forgo reef points. The reef points can always be added later if desired (e.g. when the sail is relegated to a cruising sail).

Everybody please post comments as a reply to this thread to explain why you voted the way you did for the benefit of BOG members who will vote on the rules changes.