Quote:
Not first time, nor will it be the last, I call BS on an ocean race to Hawaii that allows a "motorboat class" where running an engine 24x7 is the only way to get to the finish. Yes, there will be boats racing that cannot sail without an engine, both to hoist and trim sails as well as canting keels to every puff and lull in the wind.
And you can get the Barn Door in the TP using such as well now and only a Asterix trophy for human powered efforts. I still have no problem for stored energy for autopilots and keels/water ballast but for the sails, no bueno. I did contact the new President of US Sailing to get an official response from the organization regarding the future of Rule 52 and he twice tried to refer my to Teeters regarding ratings. I keep responding this isn't a rating question but a request for an official stance on excluding Rule 52 from racing as many areas including ours are doing. He never responded. Sent you a PM with a response from our area US Sailing rep/YRA regarding Rule 52 and it's a laugh riot.