[Public-List] Alberg 30 Racing rules

[crufone at comcast.net]

All of this is my way of saying the cruising one design status of the 
Alberg is special. Sure allowances have to be made for age, equipment 
replacement, etc. but I think it inappropriate just to rule as out of 
hand certain rules on the basis of what? Inconvenience? In another 
sphere (the political one) the saying is the rule of law is what allows 
civilization. I submit clear and well understood  rules are what allow 
Gentleman (and the female equivalent-Gentlewoman?-The term lady doesn't 
cut it. There is gender equality on the race course) to behave like 
Gentleman. It's just one less thing. 

The really weird thing about all this is I feel more fired up to race 
the Alberg than I have felt in years. Maybe it's just cabin fever. 

MichaelGrosh 
#220 


Hello, 



I too agree with the wisdom of John Burches and Geroges comments.  My intent was to offer a third person objective view of what was becoming a bit too personal on the 'list'.  This discussion has now come full circle and folks have calmed down a bit and come to a reasonable conclusion for the Commodore and the Rules Committee to consider. 



I have been involved in one-design rules discussions with other classes and believe in strict adherence to the rules whatever they may be.  In this case perhaps the ruling on racing as 'originally delivered' should be reconsidered. 

Personally on an Alberg 30 I don't believe that internal vs external halyards make as much difference during a race as one poor tack or a lousy spinnaker set would make.  The point is we want to keep participation in the racing circle strong and have racing rules that are kept current with the customary maintenance necessary to keep our boats safe for both racing and cruising. 



I feel that it is much better for the Alberg 30 Administration to be the leader and not the follower in reviewing what repairs/upgrades/modifications are reasonable after careful consideration of the 'big-picture' for the health and well being of the A30 Association.  I don't believe that modifications which may be in conflict with the 'current' rules should be initiated by an individual owner without first being reviewed by the A30 Administration.  This relates specifically to those owners who are regulars on the Chesapeake race course.  An owner on lake Michigan for instance who wishes to modify the rig to a yawl rig would be free to do so, but knowing full well that if they were to sell their boat to a Chesapeake racer that it would have to go back to a sloop rig. 



The A 30 Administration and thus the racinng rules need to keep abreast and current with what is happening with the boats. 



I enjoyed Pat Meinhold's comments about removing your drawers prior to racing.  My position is that if you don't have a clean bottom there is no reason to expect to win a race. 



Michael #133.............;-)