I've found a 150% kite slow and especially in the mid winters.

::
:: Thanks Brendan. Yes your are right are kites are
:: oversize and would require a new spinnaker in order to
:: apply for the rating but the rule from PHRF is very
:: clear on the J length and is publish in the NCPHRF base
:: rate which is currently being used at some regattas
:: specifically the High Sierra Regatta this year. The
:: Local data is base on SF bay sailing but out side of SF
:: Bay there is very little data (think light air). I guess
:: the question, is the extra kite size worth six sec a
:: mile overall.
::
:: PS. congrats on the Pac Cup win!
::
::
:: :: I brought this up with YRA once, and was told this
:: :: penalty is for kite size rather than actual spin pole
:: :: length (ie, just shortening your pole won't get the 6s
:: :: reduction). I forget the actual details, but suffice it
:: :: to say that getting a stock E27 rating changed will be
:: :: difficult, as there is a lot of local data on the
:: :: performance of these boats. The PHRF committee tends to
:: :: take a dim view on modifications and will not make it
:: :: easier to do better on rating than with the current ODR.
:: ::

:: :: --brendan

:: ::
:: ::
:: :: :: Has anyone ever address the fact express 27 is rated in
:: :: :: PHRF with a penalty pole that mandatory – 6 sec
:: :: :: deduction. That is a significant change in rating and
:: :: :: seems worthwhile to consider and that six sec for the
:: :: :: small amount of extra kite marginal.