Hi everyone,

I thought I would try out the poll feature in Mailspaces.
I am not sure how it works exactly so my apologies if it results in lots of emails.

To kick off – a poll on the Batten Rule...

My Thoughts on this lively & interesting debate.
1) While the sails are computer cut there will be manufacturing tolerances in the sail and battens. If you know what your doing or wish to experiment why not be allowed to sand down battens for a better shape? If you don't know – ask – I am sure someone here will help. 2) The important thing is the shape of the sail – does this matter how it is achieved?

On 1 Design I am all for it however...
There is nothing on the Blokart Battens to identify them as of Blokart manufacture. This is something Russell has pointed out – with his windsurf shop ones you can't tell the difference. So where parts are not identifiable or are of a custom design for a Blokart I think any similar replacement should be OK. This would include tires, tubes, bearings, pulleys, cleats, ropes, battens. Parts you would have to buy from Blokart would be: Pulley whips, wheels, stub axles, front forks, keels, cranes and mast sections.

I believe the tricky part is writing clear rules everyone understands that will allow some room for individuality. There is a lot of skill in sailing a Blokart around a course quickly. Do we also want to include some skill in setting up a kart to be as quick as possible for your sailing style, weight & wind conditions? Else you end up with in the situation where all competitors hire standard karts that are drawn for each race, and everyone is weighted to the same weight – then it is simply sailing ability.

I am running Standard Blokart Battens & I managed to beat Haydn in a race. I also have no problems with Ross running carbon fiber battens. I haven't tried different battens yet since I don't want to change too much and not understand the effects of the change or have two changes cancel out. No prizes for guessing what I am voting for!

Nicholas
(ABC)