I have installed an expensive B+G system on one Express just for PHRF racing. We had performance targets, true wind data, and GPS all tied together. The boat is so light and responsive that atempting to sail to the numbers was impossible. We also found that in any kind of shifting breeze or close to shore where there was wind shear that the express mast is too short to be up where you get clear wind readings and the numbers often did not jive with the wind on the sails at the moment.The boat is too dinghy like and must be adjusted from moment to moment by feel and watching waves and puffs to maintain a consistent pace. The numbers would not come fast enough to really help- in my opinion. The biggest advantage to having the integrated electronics would be to have true wind speed to help make sail selections and having current speed and drift data to help with course strategy. If properly employed these two things could be such an advantage that it would compell the rest of the fleet to install the system as a 'must have'. This would make the Express more complex to race and of course more expensive. In fairness integrated electronics would be an interesting learning tool for a new team as well as a huge benifit for PHRF and any distance racing. I just do not think it would improve the fun and fairness of One Design competition for the expense. I am but one vote so please bring this up for debate / vote at the nationals meeting. Will Paxton Motorcycle Irene

:: Any more thoughts on integrated electronics?
::
:: :: I'm game. When I get some cash I'm going to put a fully
:: :: integrated tacktic system on my boat. If it's still
:: :: illegal, I'll pull the unit that ties everything
:: :: together for class racing (If I do any).
:: ::
:: :: I'm just curious to see of the numbers jive with that I
:: :: feel.
:: ::
:: :: This stuff isn't insanely expensive like it used to be
:: :: which I assume was why it was outlawed.
:: ::

:: :: -bryan

:: ::
:: :: :: Okay, here is my proposal on this. What would be the
:: :: :: problem with simply eliminating Part A of Prohibitions
:: :: :: in the class rules? That would move B up to A an so on
:: :: :: down the line.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Any opinions?