One dividend of the unmatched level of racing in the MedCup and now TP52 Super Series is the steady exodus of boats that have run out of development space. Of course the boats that leave the Super Series in this way are incredibly competitive in every other arena so it is no surprise that the class enjoys a healthy secondhand market. As well as handicap racing, there are now enough pockets of 52s, notably in Australia and the USA, to merit a look at a system to allow boats of different eras to compete fairly together. A similar approach helped the Fast40s get off the ground, though with less offshore appeal the second-home market proved narrower than for the TP52
l Rule that masts for measurement trim shall be as straight and vertical as can be achieved. Make sure race halyards and all easy-to-remove equipment, like locks, are in place. Boom shall be horizontal and on centreline. It does not hurt to get a feel for the weight of the boom by lifting it at the outer end. If it feels heavier than others… lWeigh the interior ballast and record weight and position. l Absolutely no loose items onboard other than what is required/permitted by the rating rule used. Record equipment onboard and weights of easy-to-replace items, like bunks, bunk cushions and so on. Tanks empty. In case of unusual heavy items record for weight and position. l Suggest for all rating rules that to get a more accurate idea of the boat and fleet we annually measure keel weight if no changes are claimed from the previous year, or bulb and keel weight if the source of the previous data is not 100 per cent clear, or in case of modifications. A one certificate per year policy is your biggest chance of keeping
spending under some control. Alternatively, allow one additional certificate per year, ahead of the most important event of the year, but require a good majority of owners to support this. Require an additional mid-season check of at least righting moment (RM) and trim points. If this casts doubt then add boat weight and whatever is not lining up with previous certification.
Rig tuning If the owners feel the rating rule requirements are too tight or not tight enough I suggest class events shall be raced with the headstay fixed in position during racing (various strop lengths or a turnbuckle are OK, but not systems remaining connected to a hydraulic ram) but variable between races. Variability between races can also be con- sidered for butt position and butt height/BAS but do limit the variation from BAS as measured in with. I would not go any further than 15mm. A sensible option is to require these elements to be fixed for the day, as for the sails carried onboard and for the crew. That will reduce if not stop the need to have a RIB out on the racecourse.
play, as in capable of reaching the rating limit by spending money on features that still improve performance more or less in line with the rating hit these carry. But not for ever… there comes a moment when the rating hit of the optimisation of choice outweighs the per- formance increase and then the spending soon becomes silly. Still, I feel setting a rating ceiling is better than having no limit,
as then the clear split in performance potential between newer and older boats will be there right from the start. Certainly if combined with a next step, setting a draft limit, the rating limit works. If then (one more step) older boats are allowed to go deeper than
the draft limit in controlled steps the class has a powerful weapon to keep boats of varying age very close in performance, as well as a weapon that is relatively cost-efficient, as in value for money. Eventually structural considerations will limit the scope of draft increases but for a three to five-year window – which is realistic – such increases should be manageable. Whichever rating rule is chosen will then trigger a slightly different
optimisation on key values like displacement, righting moment and sail area/distribution, but as long as class racing optimisation is very much the same as for non-class racing owners it should not feel too bad investing in boat and equipment. Then, to keep it sane, translate into fair on the racecourse and reasonable on spending, give the following a thought… First discuss a one certificate per year policy. So no modifications
that trigger certification changes from a set date. And before issuing that certificate: l Weigh the boats in measurement trim. For rating rules using calculated weights adjust the calculated weight to be as the measured weight by adjusting the freeboard inputs. Mark and note centreline trim points, plus stern and bow to water distances to facilitate simple event checks. l Incline and measure freeboards, preferably in similar salinity conditions for all boats.
Sails Discuss limiting new sails (first year for existing boats allow some- thing like 10 new sails, plus max 15 or 20 used ones, and button these). From the second year allow perhaps 10 new sails, plus unlimited previously buttoned ones. Keep good records. Check measure sails from time to time and probably best to install a rule that modifications/repairs shall be communicated with the class manager/measurer for them to keep record.
Measurer Work with one measurer for all class boats. Better for many reasons. Measurer and class manager shall be a team with roles clearly defined.
Crew l Discuss crew number restrictions below rating rule limits? Over 14 crew gets a bit much on a 52. l Owner-driver? Whatever creates majority support. In case of issues with owner-driver rules sit the owners down to discuss, not their representatives… l Crew number or crew weight? Number is easiest but then refuse event crew changes other than in case of emergency. l Limit on pro sailors? If so probably best to permit only class- approved amateurs. Set rules for this with the owners.
Others l Container(s)? Discuss and set a limit. l RIB(s)? Try to avoid, for sure avoid that they are needed for sail and crew changes. Alternatively, try to combine, like one RIB for two or three boats. l Coach? I guess hard to avoid but possibly try to avoid each coach out on his own RIB. Apart from this, find a person you trust to manage the class and
keep chipping away at improvements. Throw a good party at each event and enjoy the racing – you are a very privileged person. Rob Weiland, TP52 and Maxi72 class manager
q SEAHORSE 39
CARLO BORLENGHI
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