Bill,
I agree with your opinions completely. The fleet of J35 owners should not be
trying to compete with all the new designs, they should be doing everything
possible to maintain and improve the "One Design" status of the J35. Every
time we respond positively to an expensive , non-safety oriented addition to
our boats, we further degrade the "One Design" concept, the strength of our
fleet, and the value of our boats.
The issue of Professional Class competitors constantly degrades "amateur"
racing. We have faced it for years and have just recently revised the rules
in this area. Let's not change the rules so that specific individuals
benefit. Strengthen the fleet and the "owners" who support the fleet!
These two proposed changes weaken our fleet. "Vote no"!
The changes that should be made to the rulebook are those that will clarify
and strengthen the fleet rules. There are enough conflicting statements and
outright errors in the rulebook to warrant a review and revision to the
existing rulebook as soon as possible.
I have not seen a listing of the "fleet technical committee" members from
the J35 board for 4 years. Who is the present Fleet Measurer? Who has had a
boat inspected or heard of a boat being disqualified for rule
infractions?These issues set the scene for the enforcement and maintenance
of the fleet one design rules, and should be addressed by the National Board
Members and all fleet owners as soon as possible.
Vote "No" on these proposed changes!
Wayne Berge
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Wildner <wildnerjr@ahx1.com>
To: J-35 Mail List <j35@sailpix.com>
Date: Saturday, March 13, 1999 8:53 AM
Subject: J-35 Proposed rules changes
>Hello J-35 owners and sailors. By now most of you should have received
>your ballot for J-35 Class rules changes. If not here is the link
>http://www.sailingsource.com/j35/1999%20Ballot.pdf.
>
>Here is my rambling thoughts on these changes.
>I personally do not care what the outcome of these proposed changes are
>yet I have to question what is the motive for these changes? It appears
>that to me that there is some fear that by not allowing carbon fiber and
>more pro's we may be losing some sailors to newer sport type boats that
>have these features. I would say that if we chose to allow these changes
>we may actually drive some of our current members away. The proposed
>changes will continue to add cost to maintain a boat and crew in its
>most competitive form. I believe the people that have left the class for
>the latest and hottest designs would not have stayed if all of these
>rules and more, such as carbon tillers and spars, and other high tech
>modifications were allowed. The people that sail with more than one pro
>all year then have a problem when they get to a sanctioned event have
>created this problem themselves. When I selected and trained crew I
>knew the rule and made a point of sailing with no more than 1 pro. Why
>would you do otherwise? You should know the rules and should plan for
>the enforcement of them. Do we really want change the rules to
>accommodate those that cant plan ahead. If so be prepared for constant
>change and a moving target.
>
>Once again I say why do we need these rules changes? If its to try and
>compete with the latest go-fast designs then ask if these changes will
>bring the people going to those classes here? I doubt it.
>Will it send others away because they think they constantly need to be
>replacing or adding things (carbon pole, 3rd spinnaker, more pro's,
>carbon tiller) that were not needed in the past? Maybe
>Will it give boats with carbon poles and 2 pro's a slight edge over
>boats that don't have these things? I think so
>Does it follow with the one design principal of making all boats as even
>as possible? I wonder
>
>These changes affects all the owners and the value of these boats. I
>wouldn't want to buy your boat if it is not equipped with the latest
>equipment allowed. Prospective owners will be looking at boats that
>haven't been updated thinking in order to be competitive they need to
>buy not only new sails hardware and running rigging, but also a new
>carbon pole and an additional spinnaker and anything else we may vote to
>allow.
>
>Ask yourself what you want, then vote accordingly, just make sure you
>vote.
>
>Voice your thoughts and opinions.
>
>Bill Wildner
>
>P.S. I'm not sure yet how I will vote just rest assured either way I
>will be racing my J-35 and loving it.
>
>
>
>
>
Received on Sun Mar 14 09:59:52 1999