Ralph, thanks for the clarification. I was told when I first got my boat that the original crew weight from Carl was 1000 lbs. I believe you would know the real facts. Still I agree with Mike's argument that a 980 lb. weight rule makes much more sense from a management perspective and will not appreciably stress the boats, as some are concerned.

I don't mind your suggestion of sail changes, either. I know from past experience with some other, larger, ULDBs that they did not sail well upwind with a #2. Have you sailed an E27 with a #2? If so what was the performance difference?