Just a few comments and concerns.
Why are we considering a change in mainsail material? Will it indeed get more J30 to race One Design? Will it make the J30s sailing in PHRF fleet more competitive? I don't think so.
I have sailed in my share of NAs. I have purchased new sails for every two or three NAs. I keep this sails for major regattas, such as the NAs, NOOD's and major one design regatta. I will continue to do so whether the sails are Dacron or high tech. Most of my club racing is PHRF. Even though Cedar Point's Division 2 is made up mostly of J30 in a one design configuration. We always are competitive, even against the non J30s in the fleet with high tech sails This is with '06 one design sails.
I look at this propose change as just a added expense. Maybe an additional $1.800. Unfortunately, I most likely will not sail in another NAs until it returns to RI in 2013. Even if the change is approved I may still purchase a Dacron main.
BTW, Didn't Circus from Chicago win Key West Race Week a few years ago with a Dacron main in one design configuration?
The bag weight issue will also need to be resolved. I'm not in favor of a bag weight. If the purpose is to keep material like Cuben Fiber out. Then why not just ban it!
I have asked the LIS J30 fleet to send their opinion to me about the proposed change. I will consider this when it becomes time to vote on Sept. 15th
John McArthur, LIS Fleet Governor, Past
J30 Class co-president.
