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 Sat Mar 13 06:40:32 1999