by Charlie Roden
Apparently all is well with VM sailors as there were no suggested changes to the rat- ing rules as invited in our last newsletter. I assume that everyone is busy building and rules are the last thing on anyone’s mind. Wonderful!
I would like to mention a recent interpretation of the rules that is noteworthy but does not require a rule change. In 1998 our VM rating rules were changed to form two divisions to address the 40 years of design evolution of the Marblehead Class to make racing more equitable. At that time a Traditional Division was formed to include model yachts designed by 1945 or before or new designs having the characteristics of these early models. The High Flyer Division similarly cov- ered the period from 1946-1970. Specific restrictions were applied for maximum draft and rudder design in each division to enforce the intent of this split.
Since that time models have been built of previous designs, but with our limited knowledge of their original design dates, it has not been possible to assign boats to their proper division based on design date. Assignment has been made on the basis of conformance to the specific design constraints (i.e. draft and rudder design). In a planned rewrite of the rules the association of dates with each division will be played down and the precedence of the actual design constraints will be noted.
