The reason I suggest a limit of four per season is that is fewer than the current rules allow (5-one each main, #1, #2, #3, chute)-and some boats at the NA's definitely purchase at least three a year now (main, #1 and chute). I agree four sails a year is a lot of money-I suspect most boats that like having a fresh inventory without going broke would buy 1/2 and 3/4 oz chutes on alternate years. I know that I currently rotate my inventory-new main every other year, new #1 every year if possible, new chute every other year (not sure if this will be possible this year-fingers are crossed!). Alternately, the class could restrict spinnaker purchases to one per season, effectively forcing a rotating purchase schedule.
The point would be to discourage an escalation of the "arms race" among boats that currently go with regular replacement of inventory-while providing a greater variety of sail selection and enhanced performance.
The full hoist three was explored recently and rejected I believe-although I agree with your logic Tom. I think the primary complaint was that such a change would compel many to buy a new three immediately, when most try to keep the same #3 working for several seasons given the strength of the sail.
