This is a fascinating thread! Since it's two topics munged, I'll try to break out separately below. I also will add that I really appreciate all of the viewpoints - this spirited discussion is a sign of thoughtful, invested owners which is healthy for the boat in general. So, please take my comments as they are intended - constructive.

Voting: I think it's fair to say that all owners' votes should be counted as an owner group. And, that could be part of the problem here. To think of this community as a OD racing group is fair and understandable yet I believe the assertion above is that assuming that OD is everyone's reality is shortsighted (to which I agree - mostly). To fracture into a OD and "all the rest" only serves to hurt the total community. One could argue that for OD racing rules that a due-paying member deserves to have more say with regard to OD rules. But, to exclude other owners only serves to keep OD small and easily controlled by a small group.

Disclosure: I always prefer OD but it's not realistic to expect it here in the PNW. I'm not current on my dues and should be - will take care of it. I support and advocate a change to allow string sails for all OD events.

Sails: the figures quoted above are for one vendor and are (from what I've seen here and researched myself) the largest disparity. As such, I don't think it's a completely balanced portrayal of the discussion. Just MHO.

I've heard it argued by both owners and sailmakers that there is no significant performance difference between dac and string. People have said that "one bad tack" or a poor start/tactical decision can unravel any advantage to strings to which I agree. It's also been discussed that the string sails could be made to a spec that erases any perceived weight aloft advantages.

So, I don't see what the issue is. Buy dacron and prove the point that there's no advantage (and smile at the dollars saved!). Or, buy the most expensive sails allowed and hope you don't look foolish finishing in the middle of the fleet.

My point (i think) is that freedom of choice expands the community and likely gets more folks involved. Restriction of options shrinks the addressable market. In this economy and at a time where more and more boats are being built more cheaply and offer a compelling value to others, I don't think that's smart but that's just me.

An interesting (but admittedly non-scientific) consideration is that most of the folks in favor of changing this rule are a.) relatively new (or at least newly vocal) owners and b.) not in a specific location but sprinkled elsewhere across the country. Maybe this means it's an opportunity to expand reach and involvement?

I'll wrap with a very real example:
As soon as I have 2 fewer kids in diapers than I do now, I'll be racing more. I bought a great used sail (remember Bob? It's one of your UKs ;-) that will serve until then and even make a great weeknight/practice main. However, I plan to buy lam/string sails because I prefer them (I believe they are competitive longer, I like trimming them better, I believe - accurate or not - that I sail better with them, etc.). Since I'll do that, attending a NAs is a non-starter for me. Bummer. If I could bring and use those sails, it's at least an OPTION. As an owner, it's a little sad to me that I can't even consider it because I'm not also going to buy a second main.

Put more bluntly: "hey honey - let's do the NAs this coming year! They're in New Orleans, we could take the family, escape our crappy weather, and have a fun and different kind of vacation adventure!"
OR: "hey - heard NAs are in New Orleans this year. That would be awesome... But, the only main I have that's legal is from 2004. So... how about we go back to Maui?" ;-)

From my perspective, I just see this as a clear choice to expand the community and evolve in a way that makes OD more inclusive and provides a chance for others to play.

Bob: I want to add that you have done a great deal over the years to contribute to making the fleet great. When we talked right after I bought #426, you spent a ton of time on the phone with me sharing experiences and knowledge which I greatly appreciate. I'm a strong supporter of OD integrity as I know you are. But, this is a topic that for more is beyond dacron and string and a chance to make the community of active owners (and racers!) bigger which benefits us all.

Phew. Sorry for the long mail. Hopefully it contributes constructively to the dialog.

Cheers, Jeff

- Jeff
J/30 #426 - Watusi