Deciding what is best for Class members

One design class rules not only maintain level racing, but they also define the character of the class. Restrictive rules can maintain affordability while looser rules might attract tinkerers. All of this impacts participation, so class officers need to decide what is best for all members.

The thread about J/70 jib in-hauling prompted Al Sargent to toss in his two cents:

Any kind of class rule change should bring some kind of joy to the sailing experience. I’m not anti-complexity, but what kind of joy does jib in-hauling bring? Does anyone ever say at the bar after sailing, “Man, it was so awesome, we pulled the jib in and took off!” No.

• The ILCA now has more complex sail control systems (outhaul, cunningham, vang) than when the class was formed, but it’s made the boat more enjoyable to sail.

• For mainsail trimming downwind on the ILCA, you’re not allowed to trim from the back purchase except briefly, during jibes or to clear the mainsheet from your transom. Would the boat surf better if you trimmed 1:1 from the back purchase? Absolutely. Would it make the boat even more physical? Yes, so the class doesn’t allow it. And it’s better for it.

• At our most recent ILCA District 24 (NorCal) annual meeting, the #1 piece of feedback was that sailors want to learn. They don’t mind not winning, but they want to feel like they’re advancing in the sport. We’re now putting together regular video briefings before regattas.

I bet a similar dynamic exists for J/70 owner/drivers: they want to learn. Does one pro sailor onboard help them learn? Yes. Especially if they’re sitting next to them, trimming main, to continual provide feedback and coaching.

But suppose we add another professional sailor, say a jib trimmer. The owner’s costs have doubled, but has their learning doubled? Probably not; there’s only so much information you can absorb as a driver, and in off-the-water discussions.

Now add in a third professional, doing bow. It’s hard to provide much feedback from the front position. Costs have tripled, but learning hasn’t tripled.

Given this, the goal that many J/70 owners have — learning and improving — hits diminishing returns after one professional sailor has been brought onboard. So, it makes sense if the J/70 class allowed for just one pro sailor onboard.

If this happened, what about all the sailing pros who would no longer be hired? They’d be out there hustling for gigs, encouraging people to buy J/70s or get their existing J/70 out racing. That should boost participation, manage owner costs, and provide improved value. Just my two cents…