Hallo zusammen,
Wir möchten auf der MV in Malcesine (die Einladung kommt bald) mit Euch am Rande auch über die „X-Boat-Challenge“ sprechen. Ein Vorschlag zur Ermöglichung praktischen Tests technischer Neuerungen im Open Fleet. Es gab dazu schon eine breite Diskussion auf Facebook mit Zustimmung, aber auch mit einigen wenigen (tw sehr) ablehnenden Stimmen. Ich möchte hiermit vorab zur Sitzung kurz diejenigen informieren, die nicht auf Facebook sind. Auf der MV wollen wir kurz diskutieren und entscheiden, wie und ob wir diesbzgl. weitermachen. Nachfolgend mein originaler post und eine sicherlich nicht vollständige Zusammenfassung der Diskussion (in Englisch):
The A-Class has always been at the leading edge of technical development in single-handed catamaran sailing. To maintain this position and reclaim our status as the world’s fastest, most technologically advanced single-handed boat, we need to take action.
We’re currently discussing the introduction of the "X-Boat Challenge" – a protected testing environment within the Open discipline for concept boats.
The goal is to enable 100% single-handed boats that foil more stable (particularly through maneuvers), are more durable, and offer better performance and controllability—while remaining cost-efficient. So we want to make the Open discipline even more appealing to the sailing community.
• Stability: The current class rules for the Open discipline will remain unchanged.
• Trial: X-Boats will be allowed to participate in regattas for a trial period (e.g., 6 years) to develop and prove their concepts.
• Design: Restrictions will be reduced to core dimensions (length, beam, sail area). This opens the door for testing more efficient foil designs, active height control systems, and the use of two sails per event.
• Motivation: X-Boats will compete within the Open ranking (marked with an "X") but will not be eligible for official World or European Championship titles.
Instead of debating rule changes theoretically, we are creating a fact-based foundation for the future. We want to let the most innovative minds test their designs under real racing conditions. This allows us to observe which developments are truly meaningful and sustainable for the entire class.
Due to the level of effort involved, we expect a very small number of X-boats—perhaps between one and five.
Could this be a way forward? How could an X-Boat look like?
Hier ein Dokument mit etwas ausführlicheren Argumentation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing
Zusammengefasst gab es folgende Hauptargumente gegen den Vorschlag:
* Losing more members than we attract. Potential instability in the class. Decline in sailing is a general trend, not boat-related.
* Difficulties in organizing serious competition, - to many (sub disciplines)
* Costs of flight stabilization/more innovation are too high/unnecessary.
* Resale value of used boats will drop.
* 6 years of uncertainty is too long.
* Boats are just fine as they are, keep it simple.
* Do smaller step forward (main board measurement)