Chris, thanks for the clarification. I had a kite built for a 9' pole and its slow, especially in the midwinters.

:: It not 150% kite though it 180% of 9ft j length rates
:: 135 or 180% of 9ft 9” rates 129 this is a 10% larger
:: kite seems marginal at best
::
::
:: :: 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.