Thanks for the explanations. It helps understand the perspective.

:: I agree that 16# mainsail weight results in a solid if
:: not overbult fiber laminate. And I like that.
::
:: I bitched and moaned w/the 1st 3DL, and last, I ever
:: bought. Instead of the added fiber weight distributed as
:: structure into the total sail, I ended up with an
:: overbuilt dacron foot patch to make up for the weight.
::
:: Later, I was told, I could have payed more for the added
:: fiber distributed as load paths throughout the sail.
:: Things have improved since 1996.
::
:: mb
::
:: :: The sail weight limit is still in effect. Probably it is
:: :: left over from all-dacron days (to prevent building very
:: :: light sails that would need yearly replacing), but it
:: :: has not been changed and should still be obeyed.
:: ::
:: :: This weight requirement results in very strong laminate
:: :: sails, as they can put a lot of carbon in to meet the
:: :: weight. The local sailmakers all know how to build sails
:: :: to the E27 class rules. It is true that they likely have
:: :: to add materials specifically to meet the rule.
:: ::
:: :: Modifying and/or removing the sail weight limit would
:: :: require a vote at the class meeting.
:: ::
:: :: A few rules have been changed recently and may not be
:: :: updated in the class rules: dyform wire is allowed in
:: :: rigging (even in 1x7 sizes) where 1x19 wire was required
:: :: previously. However dyform is not manufactured anymore
:: :: and hard to find. Spectra is allowed for lifelines as
:: :: long as the sag rule is still obeyed. The remainder of
:: :: the rules are generally accepted without discussion
:: :: (except the crew weight limit), as a general methodology
:: :: to keep costs under control and to keep the boats equal.
:: ::
:: :: If you have any class rule or measurement questions,
:: :: feel free to send them to me directly (not headed to HI
:: :: this summer).
:: ::

:: :: --brendan

:: ::
:: ::
:: ::
:: ::
:: :: :: Is this really a class rule?
:: :: ::
:: :: :: I'm not sure I'm reading this correctly, as it looks
:: :: :: like it was promulgated by a sailmaker who didn't want
:: :: :: to upgrade their sail making equipment.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Class restriction on the minimum weight of the mainsail
:: :: :: to 16 LB:
:: :: ::
:: :: :: “Total weight of the mainsail shall be no less than
:: :: :: sixteen pounds weighed dry and without battens. Cloth
:: :: :: concentrations used to bring the sail to minimum weight
:: :: :: shall be defined as excessively heavy sailmaker's
:: :: :: hardware. It is the intent of this rule to prohibit
:: :: :: excessively light mainsail cloth weights.”
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Why don't we want excessively light mainsail cloth
:: :: :: weights? Perhaps we need to define "excessively light",
:: :: :: because, dollars-to-donuts, with advances in sail cloth,
:: :: :: I would bet any boat without a dacron main can't meet
:: :: :: the rule limitation.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: There are other limitations too that seem a tad
:: :: :: outdated. Is the class going to be looking at these
:: :: :: anytime soon?
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Sincerely,
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Marcia Schnapp