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

scenario:
1. typical Phrf race WL 1.25 mile, 2x around, wind 5 to under 10 MPH [maybe with a drop below 5]

I would vote for a 155 and a .5 spin. I feel the range kick on the .5 spin would be the deciding factor that would outweigh the 163 kick ...

can anyone make a case that would make the 163 and .75 better or worse? we need to look at the Package ... which maxes out the fun?

I just read "Stuffing the Status Quo" in the May 2010 edition of Sailing World. Most of you will have read it. Three authors make suggestions on modifications to the class rules for three of the most established boats in racing: Laser, Farr 30 and J/24. Some of them are pretty radical, most would be unpopular, but all designed to take a view on the success of the respective fleets over the long term. I think it's a great article and should be thought provoking for the J/30 Class. Boat materials, design and pattern use has changed quite a bit since our much loved boats were built. The continued dialogue we read on this site on genoa size, mainsail material, spin cloth weight are all evolutionary changes, and the class has evolved slightly over the years.
I think that it may be useful to take a revolutionary look at the class in the spirit of the article and see where that ends up. Although we are the most motivated, I suspect that most owners are too close to it to perform the exercise. Let's bring in an expert. Anyone know Tim Healy? He wrote the article on the J/24. How about someone from J/Boats?

Michael Lusty
Belle Faster #537

Healy's ideas on the J/24 could be applied to the J/30. No surprise since they were designed by Rod J just two years apart. I'd be in favor of lowering the weight limit now 7 x 200=1400 lbs to 6 x 180=1080 lbs. By comparison the 34 foot, 8575 lbs J/105 is longer and heavier than the J/30, but has a crew weight limit of 1045 lbs.

As indicated in the article, that would mean using the Genoa only up to about 12-14 knots. Although I am unconvinced that an aramid mainsail would be more durable, if you eliminate the Genoa, add a backstay flicker, and increase the mainsail roach supported by a full length batten, it might make sense.

The boat would be easier to staff and sail, safer since the skipper could see to leeward, but like the J/105 slow death upwind on those light air days typical of the Chesapeake and LI Sound.

I think these are some good ideas. I think a full hoist #3 would be another adjustment along with the weight. That would basically eliminate the need for a #2.

I would also be receptive to OD sailing with just a full hoist #3. I have never really understood why you would OD with anything other than just a #3 or a #2. I know it needs power but that is needed in PHRF not OD.

As long as we're trying crazy ideas... how about a masthead kite if the rig can handle that?

I tried it with a friends kite that fit. In 4 knots of wind the top of the rig flexed a bit as I reached up. A little too much for the rig. Interesting test though. The boat powered up nicely in light air.

Now if runners or a jumper where rigged it could work. Or go part way up with the spinn halyard exit might work.

If it required runners, that would definitely be a step backwards.

Glad to see that the thread is expanding. When I suggested a review along the lines of Healy's I really meant that we have a top down look at the class and the boat. I think one of the core questions has to do with PHRF and if there are modifications to the boat which would make the J/30 more competitive in PHRF while retaining an active OD interest. That seems to be what spawns much of the chat on the site. I'll bet that most of the OD racers out there do a fair bit of PHRF racing too. The one question I've not answered is if we were to navigate to PHRF specs, and the boats became more competitive, wouldn't the local PHRF committees simply lower the rating of the J/30?

Yes they would adjust our rating. However I think the spirit of the article was not to make the J/24 faster but to make adjustments to better match todays realities. Less time, smaller crew pool etc.

I've raced mine with #3 only rating for some double handed races
As long as the air is up its OK but if you get under 10 knots of breeze the boat becomes a dog no fun to sail and NOT to the PHRF rating

I guess if were to optimize the PHRF rating it would be to a 155 genoa(which is now PHRF baseline) on a roller furling system to pick up the this would be good up to 15 true wind speed but then how do you change down to the blade?

The full hoist on the Jib only added sail area up high ie more tipping action so I don't think that would help overall

Now for PHRF a 1/2 oz chute makes a lot of sense but you will only be able to carry it to about 10 knots apparent which means a 3/4 oz chute is still required