The association has received two proposed rule changes:<br /><br />

QUOTE:
1. A proposal to increase the permitted size of a spinakker<br />2. A proposal to allow an [s]increased [/s] :-[ narrower size of rudder[/quote]&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I thought it&amp;#039;d be interesting to start of a new topic here to get some debate running on these.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The rule changes will be discussed at the AGM and then if supported would go to a full vote of the membership - the purpose of this post is really to allow those who may not be able to get to the AGM to voice their opinions...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So - voice aw :-[ narrower size of rudder

<br /><br />I thought it&#039;d be interesting to start of a new topic here to get some debate running on these.&nbsp; <br /><br />The rule changes will be discussed at the AGM and then if supported would go to a full vote of the membership - the purpose of this post is really to allow those who may not be able to get to the AGM to voice their opinions...<br /><br />So - voice away!

To decide whether the proposed rule changes might be acceptable, one would need to discuss why a larger spinnaker or why a larger rudder is being proposed.&nbsp; What issues arise now with the current spinnaker or rudder sizes that someone is trying to solve?&nbsp; What benefit or disadvantage does one derive from the change?&nbsp; <br /><br />A larger spinnaker sounds like a request to give a greater downwind advantage for someone flying a spinnaker versus someone perhaps who might only have a mini or full genoa.&nbsp; If you are going to go through the effort to raise and manage a spinnaker, perhaps you want to know that the payoff is big on certain legs of the course.<br /><br />A larger rudder is a bit harder for me to comprehend.&nbsp; More rudder is going to mean more drag.&nbsp; If you aren&#039;t particularly attentive to weight and sail trim, having a larger rudder may allow you to handle the weather helm a bit easier.&nbsp; Instead, why not practice going rudderless and then apply these improved skills to make more efficient use of the current rudder size?<br /><br />Can anyone explain the motivations behind larger spinnaker and larger rudder?

Sorry Chris, I was assuming people will have read the proposals in the newsletter, perhaps not so here they are - I&#039;ll then post a follow-up with some comments on your comments!<br /><br />

QUOTE:
<br />Spinnaker - modest increase in size<br />For many years Heron sailors have found there is only a very small difference in performance between craft flying a spinnaker and those using only a genoa. The result is that spinnakers are rarely used.&nbsp; To encourage Heron sailors to enjoy the fun of flying a spinnaker it is therefore proposed to make a modest increase to the maximum allowable size of the spinnaker.&nbsp; The increase would be limitted by the constraints imposed by the hull shape and rig strength and the new size would have to be suitable for either type of rig (bermudan or gaff).&nbsp; A small increase in the length of the spinnaker pole may also be necessary.&nbsp; if there is general agreement, in principle, at the AGM the Committee will consult several suitable sailmakers in order to establish appropriate dimensions and then put these to a postal vote.<br />

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<br />Rudder width - Rule 5.6<br />The parallel rudder blade width is currently controlled by a minimum dimension of 242mm and a maximum dimension of 254mm. The blade, when turned throigh an angle to tack or gybe, tends to act as a brake.&nbsp; The narrower the blade the less is the this braking effect, thus allowing smoother and faster manouveres.&nbsp; this proposal is to reduce the minimum dimension from 242mm to 200mm.&nbsp; The propsoal would allow the width of the blade to be slightly tapered from stock to tip, reducing - slightly - the bending loads on the blade and thus increasing its strength<br />

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Oops - it&#039;d help if I read the rule changes first - the rudder is proposed to narrow rather than increase!<br /><br />

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<br /> What issues arise now with the current spinnaker or rudder sizes that someone is trying to solve?&nbsp; What benefit or disadvantage does one derive from the change?&nbsp; <br />

<br /><br />OK hopefully the detail quoted from the Newsletter helps to clarify what issues arise now.&nbsp; I guess bennefit = faster boat speed.&nbsp; So I&#039;m probably going to end up being negative...<br /><br />

QUOTE:
<br />If you are going to go through the effort to raise and manage a spinnaker, perhaps you want to know that the payoff is big on certain legs of the course.

<br />I think that&#039;s exactly the reason for the propsoal.&nbsp; Perhaps I might pose some of my personal concerns:<br />

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• What impact does this have on SH sailing.&nbsp; Its much more difficult to spinny when SH&#039;d.&nbsp; I know that SH&#039;ng is a bit up in the air thanks to the RYA yardstick changes last year - but this could really cause some issues for its future use with a handicap.
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• How many boats out there have spinny&#039;s at the moment (I guess we might never know) but effectively they are being told their spinny is next to useless - so unless they upgrade they might as well never fly it?&nbsp; Am I reading this wrong?
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• for me it makes no difference! I have no spinny, but am considering getting one - I&#039;m now waiting till after the rule change is considered!
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QUOTE:
<br />A larger rudder is a bit harder for me to comprehend. <br />

<br />Well that&#039;d help if I got the original post right!&nbsp; The proposal is actually less rudder, from what I understand.<br /><br />

QUOTE:
If you aren&#039;t particularly attentive to weight and sail trim, having a larger rudder may allow you to handle the weather helm a bit easier.&nbsp; Instead, why not practice going rudderless and then apply these improved skills to make more efficient use of the current rudder size?

<br />OK some of what you say is now irrelevant because of my stupidity! However, I think your point may be very correct... efficient rudder use would avoid the brake scenario.<br /><br />I have the old spade rudder. I&#039;ve never found a good article comparing the two - but I&#039;m starting to wodner if we might get a situation where the keenies have a spade, and two parallel&#039;s (one narrow one wide) and pick according to conditions...<br /><br />But again - if this really gives an advantage to people with the new rudders, then what happens to the guys with the old ones.&nbsp; However, if all people need to do is learn to sail better then I would favour advantaging them and not to those who can afford a new rudder.<br /><br />Not having a parallel rudder I&#039;m not sure if you could cut down an old blade or if you&#039;d need a new blade.<br /><br />My spade rudder can have a heck of a lot of pull on it when the wind gets up - I&#039;ve not worked out yet if thats good or bad!&nbsp; If it had less area then does that mean I can&#039;t turn as easily - sometimes its already hard (F5-6).<br /><br />Calum