International 14 Mailing List
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From: Tony Arends (tarends@quantumsails.com)
Date: Mon 31 Dec 2001 - 19:26:33 GMT
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Arends [mailto:tarends@quantumsails.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 1:00 PM
To: 14list@i14.org
Subject: "Wings and things"
<p>As a new subscriber to I 14 list I have enjoyed hearing the views and
opinions of people arguing there interpretation of the International 14 as a
class . Basically there is no argument when the rules clearly says the
International 14 class is a development dinghy . However even development
classes need strong rules to see that the class remains competitive and
affordable . I believe the rules need to be reviewed and tightened as to
encourage development at a modest expense but maintain the focus to increase
the fleet numbers . I see the hull restrictions being quite good with 5
rules being used to dictate what has become a very completive boat . On the
flip side less effort has been placed on the boats components such as masts
and foils . For instance a simple rule restricting the mast diameter could
have lead to far less confusion and frustration when looking for reasons to
chose either a CST or Willits mast . Same goes for a winged rudders . I have
no doubt that the top 3 boat at the world finished that way because they
deserved too . At the end of the day installing wings on the rudder is a
small expense compared with buying a new mast , sails or a hull . I
installed wing on the rudder of my Ice boat in an attempt to stop it from
nose-diving , I found it had little effect . I can see no reason to stop the
boats from preforming better , after all there is no safety risk here , it's
not car racing . I would suggest restricting the rudder wings to a simple
size rule , and sectional shape that would prohibit hydrofoils . The device
should be used in no way to make the boat airborne . As you are well aware
there are many ways to interpret class rules . Here is another can of worms
open for argument. Class maximum beam has been a topic that I have heard
people discussing . Go to http://www.i14.org/photos/1029_001.jpg
http://www.i14.org/photos/1029_005.jpg
http://www.i14.org/photos/1029_007.jpg to see photo's of my interpretation
on how the rule defines the class maximum beam . The measured maximum beam
is from wing tip to wing tip . These photo's show the boat with a maximum
class beam of 1.830m but has an effective beam of some 2.560m when pushed to
one side . I'm sure there will be some discussion on whether this is legal
or not . So you all know the expense for this modification is 9 x delron
bushings and 3 x radiused aluminum tubes was a total of $300 including
materials . Personally I do not think the maximum beam needs to be increased
. If the maximum beam changes there will be a huge expense to reengineer
masts , change sails and sail designs , modify hull designs , widen shroud
bases and so on . I enjoy the class because I have the ability to change and
develop the boat but we should not get carried away . Is there a technical
comity that advises the class on proposed changes ? If not we should form
one ! I look forward to see you all on the water again soon .
Regards Tony Arends USA 1120 Murrays.com / Gul International ( ex Jamba
Juice )
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