J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum One Design Class Rules Class Rules & #1 Genoa Size Limits

Here is a question to promote class discussion on the size of the #1 jib. Class Rules section 5.12.5 covers the requirements for Genoa #1. Specifically 5.12.5.1 provides the allowable range for the LP based on a 163% sized sail - "The length of LP shall not exceed 5665 mm nor be less than 5250 mm".

Some have complained about the cost to have a 163% OD Genoa and a PHRF base 155% sail. Would it be worth while to consider expanding the range of allowable LP to a smaller dimension, thus allowing someone who sails with a 155% Genoa to be measured in as a legal #1? The net effect is that this would provide less sail area on the #1 for those who elect to go that route. It would still keep the 163% as the base OD sail.

It is not the intention that someone measures in both a 163 and 155 and select what sail to use based on the wind conditions. They have what they have based on para 6.2.4 (each class sail can be replaced a maximum once per calendar year).

If my math is right, I believe that the base LP for a right angle is 3299mm. This means that the current max and min dimension tolerances in para 5.12.5.1 equate to a sail size of 159.2% minimum to 171.7% maximum. Reducing the minimum dimension to 5150mm would provide an allowable size down to 153.1%, or minimum of 5000mm at 151.6% to allow for 155% sail shrinkage.

A potential change would rewrite the paragraph as follows:
5.12.5.1 The length of LP shall not exceed 5665 mm nor be less than 5000 mm

What do members of the class think about exploring this as a potential rules change?