The class management committee have approved a proposal from the chairman, Ceri Williams, to postpone the introduction of the 2 sail rule.
This years AGM approved a proposal to change Class Rule # C.8.1 a) – changing the limitation on sails registered and used per event from 3 to 2.
The proposal drew strong views both for and against , but was passed by a narrow majority of those voting.
Compared to previous AGMs the voting pool – that is, delegates representing member national class associations (NCA’s) and committee members – was small; and previous meetings had overwhelmingly rejected the same proposal.
Since the decision the majority of comments received, both from sailors and representatives of NCA’s who had not voted, was negative towards a 2 sail rule. It was very likely that a new proposal would be on the agenda of the 2012 AGM to revert to 3 sails! It was also considered impossible for the industry to respond for 2012 and bring forward new designs that may offer a wider wind range required by the 2 sail rule. It is also doubtful if, in the full range of conditions ( sea state and wind minimums/maximums) currently raced, such a rule would be good for the majority of fw racers.
Therefore the committee will ask the 2012 AGM to ratify or reject the 2 sail rule; and it is hoped that all member NCA’s will vote, after consulting their membership.
The other proposal to change Class Rules approved by the 2011 AGM – CR #C.6.1.a) delete 3 fins , add 2 fins – will be actioned.
A formal application has been made to ISAF to approve the class rule change regarding the 2 fin limitation, and for it to apply from 1st January 2012.
The Formula for great racing in 2012 becomes – 1 board, 2 fins and 3 sails.
3 > 2 > 1 – go formula racing !