In the old forum, several members was quickly corrected me on mainsail slides. I didn't realize it, but mainsails with slides previously measured in at several J/30 NA's. I'm certain at least one boat sailed in the 1999 NA's with them. This is one of the many issues where a ruling has been made, but our Class Rules have not been updated to reflect an accepted practice. I'll leave that topic for another thread, coming soon.
The requirement for a luff groove system basically precludes the use of hanked on headsails. I'm opposed to removing the luff groove as contrary to the basic one-design character of the boat. It's really a question of big vs. small and we are in the middle range. J/24s used to have luff grooves but made them optional; I don't exactly know when or why. Their two headsails make pre-start choice is pretty clear-cut so you don't see anything but hanks now. The three J/30 headsails make a change more likely. We change upwind in round-the-buoys racing once or twice a season, more often in the two or three distance races we do. But for most day races, hanks would provide an advantage.
While allowed in our rules, I've never seen anyone race one-design with roller furling. PHRF handicappers credit 6 seconds/mile for roller furling which is at least a couple places in most races. I'd peg the weight aloft at 1-2 second per mile, which is enough for me. As for the concept of effects that 'wash out'—I'd prefer not contemplating that any more than absolutely necessary. I want to line up against other J/30s that are as alike as our rules allow.
[This message has been edited by Bob Rutsch (edited 04-27-2000).]
