Starting a new thread on this topic, because it’s interesting and threatened to take a separate thread on Nonsuch art off-topic.
To kick this thread off, let me repeat part of a post from Nick Hirst, who’s leading the Rendezvous efforts:
ni...@originalpicturesinc.comnickh@originalpicturesinc.com
…If I may open a can of sea worms, we are wondering whether to race as one-designs per length or use PHRF ratings. I think that in 1983 and subsequent Rendezvous Nonsuches raced as one-designs but that was before John altered his rig and some sailors ordered slightly fuller sails.
Nicholas Hirst
Mirthin N30U 516
RCYC
Director Lake Ontario Nonsuch Association
… and let me add in the first reply, from John Vincent:
…We are hoping to be able to race but we may have a couple modifications that would exclude us from one design, including the wish bone extension and a slightly oversized sail. We are installing a flicker on the topping lift to accommodate the large roach on the new sail. We have had the sail measured and do have a current PHRF rating, so i would assume if we are using PHRF would be be able to compete… [O]ur friends… have a new square top sail and have not been rated yet, but im sure would like to compete also.
John & Sue Vincent
Salem N25C 108
PEYC, Picton, ON
So, folks, let’s go. We’d love to hear more thoughts on this topic.
– Bob Neches
Co-President, International Nonsuch Association Me Gusta Nonsuch e26U #233
Organizers of the 2024 Rendezvous at RCYC and Mimico CC in Toronto would be happy to receives views about whether the various Nonsuch models should race as one-designs or whether they should sail according to PHRF ratings. One view is that despite modifications from the class rules the only substantial difference in speed between boats within a class (N30, N26 etc) is whether they have a fixed or folding/feathering propeller. The class rules assume a folding propeller and owners with feathering propellers claim the boats perform similarly which would seem to make sense. There are obvious advantages in sailing by class if sailors consider it fair.
We plan to uphold the ‘amateur’ rule that this is an owner-steered class except for a planned coastal race from Mimico to the RCYC when visitors without boats may helm for a visitors’ award. If this plan is used then this race will not be part of the series of races for the Rendezvous’ overall trophies but will have two categories - local owners and visitors for separate awards with the possibility too of line honours. The rules state that sails must comply with the dimensions in the class rules which are appended in the annual registry but the rules are permissive about batten length and there are those who believe that a batten the width of the sail gives an advantage. Planning is still in its early stages and the organizers are more than happy to receive suggestions on anything to do with the Rendezvous. It is the first since 2018 (Halifax) and comes at a time of intense interest in everything Nonsuch. It is, we also believe, to be the first held across two clubs which we hope adds an additional sailing community spirit to the event. We encourage participants with and without boats and hope for as big a turnout from as far and wide as their are Nonsuch owners.
Nick Hirst
Mirthin N30U 513
RCYC Toronto
Co-chair of Rendezvous 2024.