OK Tracy, here goes:
After reviewing the feedback, I'm ready to vote for the proposal. I think we do need to nail down some particulars, like which regattas will use the new test rule and how we will evaluate the test and decide on the future of the rule. I suggest both Masters Nationals and Masters PCCs would be appropriate test sites, as both are likely to be heavy air venues (SF Bay and the Gorge). Other suggestions?
I'm frankly surprised by some of the passions this issue raised. I really doubt that turning off Rule 42 is going to result in an outbreak of cheating on the race course. First of all, as others have pointed out, radical kinetics doesn't gain you much when the breeze is on. Second, the rule as it is currently applied seems to actually discourage good Laser sailing, and take a lot of the fun out of it, by restricting certain natural reactions to wind and wave conditions (that second pump to get on a wave, a quick lean to windward to pressure up the rig). I, for one, would prefer to see Rule 42 turned off by default, and turned on only for winds under 12 or so.
If I'm wrong, the test should confirm it, and we can go back to the old ways.
A bigger concern, to me, is the effect this will have on race committees, who already have enough headaches. I worry that this adds another layer of complexity to running races and could make hosting a major Laser regatta even less attractive than it already is.
Whatever we do, it's very important that we keep it simple and clear.
Bill
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