Bob,

I wasn't at the fleet meeting during the Nationals, but the weight limit issue did receive a thorough discussion on this message board. Subsequent to those discussions the fleet voted, and for the regular series 21 voted to keep it at 880 and 5 voted to increase it. For the LD/Fun series, 18 voted to keep it at 880 and 7 voted to increase it. Based on these numbers, it was decided that the weight limit will stay at 880 for the 2008 season. We can open up the discussion again for the 2009 season, but for the 2008 season we are just beating a dead horse.

See you on the water.

Dan

:: Mark, with all due respect for the Lame Duck Poobah ( is
:: there really such an entity?), there seems to be a whole
:: lot of interest in this issue. I remember the "meeting
:: dodging the wind" and don't think the discussion was
:: thorough, nor was it in a venue that would lend itself
:: to thoughtful decision. If by our rules or by-laws or
:: SOPs we cannot make a change before our next annual
:: meeting so be it, but I, for one, don't think it is
:: going away.
::
:: I raced in Tiburon short handed to maintain the proper
:: weight. We were close all year and due to weight gain of
:: two crew members could not meet the 880 lbs. I will do
:: fewer "fleet races" this year if the administration
:: continues to be as difficult as it has been. Jason asked
:: the question and I am answering it. I have lost 20 lbs.
:: not to be more competitive, but to live longer. I do
:: think Jason's point is well taken, however. A weight
:: change will not in itself increase participation, but I
:: think it cannot hurt.
::
:: My 2
::
:: :: Folks --
:: ::
:: :: It is my recollection is that we voted on this issue in
:: :: conjunction with voting on the SF schedule for next
:: :: year. I believe there was a significant majority
:: :: (something north of 70%, if someone has a better number
:: :: please chime in) in favor of sticking with the status
:: :: quo.
:: ::
:: :: So, as far as I can see that vote settled the matter for
:: :: the 2008 sailing season. If it remains an issue at the
:: :: end of the season, then I think we can be put to a vote
:: :: again, but not until then.
:: ::
:: :: We can't keep revisiting this issue every month,
:: :: folks... let's move on.
:: ::
:: :: OK?
:: ::
:: :: Mark
::
:: :: e27 Poobah (until 2400, 12/31/2007....but whose
:: :: counting...)