Summary of points made during general discussion on weight reduction and weight distribution

Orders for new boats were dropping, whilst people waited to see what was happening with regard to weight reduction and weight distribution.�

Development should be encouraged, but changes which render a significant number of recent boats obsolete, or prohibitively expensive to modify, should be avoided.� So should developments that would put average-sized female crews at a disadvantage, or reduce the suitability of the boat for various waters.

If we had more newer boats, then the Class would be in a better position to consider allowing weight reduction, as more boats (and sailors) would be able to take advantage of a Rule change.

It would be bad publicity for the Class if we built very light boats which were prone to breaking up or sustaining major impact damage.

The second-hand market in Winder-built Canterbury Tales was developing.� This could be damaged by new boats being built with the potential for greater weight reduction.

There were arguments against reducing the hull weight � particularly those that suggested lighter hulls would make crew weight more critical.

There is no effective way of limiting correctors in a boat � builders would get round this by building more weight into the middle of the boat.

We needed to develop some viable methods of controlling weight distribution.� Swing tests were thought to be a possible solution.

Knowledge of swing tests was well known, but there were practical problems in testing Merlins.

It was thought to be important to try swing tests before the March Committee meeting in order to achieve solid data upon which to consider the next move.

To trial swing tests a site would have to be found soon and we should need to decide who to invite.� It was suggested that we invite an experienced measurer from another class with knowledge of swing tests, together with Lawrie Smart and other representatives of the Merlin Rocket Class to show openness.� From Committee Pat Blake, Graham Williamson, Will Rainey, Andy Jones and Dan Alsop would be invited to attend.

We should wish to test one recent boat from each of Winders, Lawrie Smart and Linton Jenkins, together with at least one older boat, including an NSM II.� All boats tested should be down to weight.

A sub-committee was formed to arrange the tests � Pat Blake, Will Rainey, Graham Williamson and Andy Jones.

It was suggested that we should put some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Forum, together with Committee�s comments, regarding weight and other �hot� issues.� This would be a good way of keeping the Membership in touch with current thinking on Committee.

Publicity � thoughts on 2003

Will Rainey produced some thoughts on publicity options for 2003.� These are on a separate page and action could be� considered at the next Committee meeting.
Summary of Key Points agreed by Committee at the Away Day

1.     MINIMUM WEIGHT

Committee do not intend to introduce a proposal to reduce the minimum hull weight at present.� They are not in favour of reducing the weight until there is a significant number of boats in existence which are capable of making the change, which they believe will not happen for another 4-5 years.�

We believe that reductions in minimum weight will happen at some time in the future, but think that this will be determined by the circumstances at the time.

2.     WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Committee have a concern about extremes of weight distribution around the boat - both the technical and financial impact of going to extremes.� In the interests of informing opinion we propose to get some practical tests done with the help of the RYA for consideration at the next committee meeting.� This will put us in the position, if necessary, to propose an amendment to the Measurement Rules for consideration at this year�s AGM.

To facilitate some practical tests a small sub-committee will be set up together with the RYA for tests to be done and results established before the 12^th March.

3.     WING RUDDERS

Graham Williamson expressed concern that wing rudders might bring about radical changes in the development of hull design.� He had contacted Ken Kershaw of the RYA, who had said that other classes had similar concerns.� Graham wanted to flag up to the Class that committee proposed to introduce a Measurement Rule amendment at this year�s AGM to ban wings on rudders.� Advice from the RYA would be taken regarding the wording of the new Rule.� Committee agreed that an article stating this intention should be published in the next magazine.