I've read the threads and here's some thoughts.

I've proposed two LD Fun Series proposals that wave the weight limit and move to a low point scoring system. That's because many of the regatta suggestions include PHRF regattas with fleet in fleet racing. Subsequently, this requires optimizing an e27 including against other boats including e27s. I personally prefer to win against the lot of them.

I also suggest simplifying requirements gains more participants. Going back to a low point scoring system is meant flatten the playing field. No weight limit means more crew to chose from getting the boat to the starting line. I suggested the 2008 LD Fun Series Proposal within a framework requiring a regatta social event as a prerequisite consideration. That requirement has been met in one proposal waiting for comment, changes, agreement and second.

For the LD Fun Series I prefer regattas that are easy to administer and impliment. I like diversity and a consistent schedule. I prefer regattas where the boat handling premium typical of a five race weekend round the bouys is less of an issue than that of any of these combined fun bay & ocean race suggestions. Although they may require other forms of seasmenship and boat handling.

Administering this combination of Fun LD bay and ocean races takes a crew list in the tens of people; core + compliment model. Having all those crew choices testifies to the popularity of the boat and makes it easier to get crew all season long. That means easier to implement.

Both LD Fun Series proposals are meant to deliver a consistent schedule at basically one race per month, no overlap with fleet racing, no hole in the middle of the series and no at Richmond Yacht Club events. For those that want to race Huntington under class weight rules please do; as a seperate race (cup) and not part of a series.

Those who want to race under the #880 weight limit all the time, please do in the Real Fleet Series.

Not combining the LD Fun and Real Fleet series increases possibilities and potentials including participation and learning from doing things differently. Even if this LD Fun effort requires impovements over time.

I was not pleased with the LD Fun series schedule this year given overlap with class series, hole in the middle of series, then one last event way out in time. It didn't seem like a series at all. It shoud be more than a cadre of boats.

Between the LD Fun and MORA proposal I personally prefer the LD Fun Series proposal less Monterey, Coastal and Windjammers. I think this encourages participation and meets the easy to administer and impliment requirement; no trailering.

Although I will probably do one or two of these longer ocean races in 2008. We can do them with a seperate e27 cup of some sort and there are plenty of classic MORA trophies to buff up and thus resurrect.

If we can muster 5+ boats to do MORA. I will do MORA. Please let me know.

Now a word on the economics of Fleet in PHRF racing. An e27 win in a PHRF event is economically better for the fleet than winning a class event. That's because the economic premium our boat's gain is more visibly secured from a win in an open PHRF event than in a class event. The PHRF wins are simply more visible and that's where new owners come from; outside the class.

Believe me they don't make it easy when an e27 has to win against a team of 5 Wylie 30's in the Corinthina midwinters. Or against much larger boats in an open ocean race and thus a fleet that is a lot of fun to win in.

When e27s do win these sorts of open events this sends the value of the boats up more than any class win alone. That's becuase it stands out in the face of many more boat owners and often the sailing press.

So please support the LD Fun Proposal in its current encarnation less the long ocean races which can be done seperately. Try the open weight limit because iss easier to get consistent crew from a cast of crew. Go with the low point scoring system to flatten the playign field. Make the LD Fun series a series that easilt attracts participants.

So to innovation. LD Fun Series at no wieght limit and low point scoring. For all others where limits matter there's the Real Fleet Series.

mb

:: We all want you to sail your boat, not sell it. But,
:: your argument below is illogical on many levels --
:: primarily though, because it is you that proposes to
:: change a rule, a rule that (I believe) was in place when
:: you joined the class.
::
:: Judging from the responses on this thread, I suspect the
:: only solution with any viability would be one that
:: essentially keeps the existing 880lb limit but adjusts
:: it slightly to compensate for differences in righting
:: moment based on the weight of the driver. If you want to
:: research the physics behind that and write up a
:: proposal, I'm sure it could be put to a vote.
::
::
:: :: OK guys, I have been thinking about the comment someone
:: :: made about getting someone else to drive the boat when
:: :: the driver is heavy in order to get more weight on the
:: :: rail. That suggests I give my boat away. The alternative
:: :: is a MINIMUM driver weight and if you weigh less, either
:: :: bulk up or give your boat away to someone heavier. It
:: :: makes about as much sense as my giving away my boat. I
:: :: have done too many regattas with 4 to make weight over
:: :: the years to ever do it again. Superscillious- yes. but
:: :: I hope I make the point that giving away to boat does
:: :: not make any more sense than racing with 4.
:: ::
:: :: L2