I am interested in some clarification on the mast issue. Are we saying that any
single spreader built for an O30 will be grandfathered, or are we saying that if
I currently own a single spreader for my O30 it will be grandfathered? Or, to
take it a step further, are we saying that if I currently sail with a single
spreader, it will be grandfathered? Take Barnstormer, for example. His single
will obviously be grandfathered. If he purchases a double to compete in the
summer blow in SoCal, will he be allowed to go back to his single when he
returns to the relative calm of Seattle? Suppose further that Chuck decides his
single is no good... when Roadrunner buys the mast from him, is is legal? One
more leap: What if Chuck borrows my double for his boat? Should he be allowed
to use the single again?
It is my understanding that there is an advantage to single spreaders in some conditions. Further, the rumor is at least one boat has recently purchased single spreader mast because of the perceived performance advantage.
If we change the constitution to specify a double ballenger for all future masts, does this give those teams with existing two mast inventories an advantage? I suppose it is only academic, as who would actually buy two masts? There are owners who have spent the money (I couldn't believe it either). I think it would be interesting to hear from the two mast owners... Anyone care to share their experiences? Are two masts better than one?
So, while I am opposed to arms races, I think grandfathering two mast boats gives them a potentially unfair advantage in some conditions. Why else would owners spend money on a second single spreader mast? I suppose it is possible that the rumor mill is unreliable, and nobody is crazy enough to buy more than one mast...
How to fix this problem? A boat sailing with a single should be allowed to sail with a single (or a Sparcraft, etc.). When a boat switches, it should be required to switch to a "class mast" and not go back - unless there is some disaster. One example of a disaster would be a single breaking that is subsequently patched (ala Airtime at '98 NOOD). While the mast is repaired, the boat should be allowed to use another mast and then return to the original mast.
Aaron Feves
O30 #199
Long Beach