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What I am getting at is that there has been lots discussion on the pros and cons of moulded fibreglass boats compared to the current plywood variety. Most of these arguements are valid but no one seems to have discussed the issue of why the sabre rules should change to accommodate this. The fact is that there are many classes of boat that are already constructed in fibreglass so if you want a fibreglass boat go sail one. The Sabre is a beautiful boat in plywood and that is what it makes it so good. Why f**k with it. Why does the Sabre have to “keep up with the times”? I am sure most would agree with me on this.
Glass boats can do all the things that you guys have stated. The rules can be changed to accomodate them. But there are some facts that history has proven and should not be ignored.
*In every class that I know the introduction of glass production boats has made the ply construction obsolete due performance wether a real or percieved gain. e.g. Mirrors, Optimists and Sabres little sister the Minnow.
*Glass productions boats cost more. Currently in Sabres you do not need a fat wallet to win.
*Many classes have “died” as they tried to keep up with the times and introduce glass construction and alienating amateur builders.
*One of the main attractions to the class is that an amateur builder can build a competetive boat and have every chance to win a major regatta.
If its not broken why fix it. Glass boats are a bad idea for this class especially the proffessionaly built female mould variety. My opinion is that a “stitch and glue” foam sandwich hull could be a good idea but keep all frames and deck in wood. This type of construction is well within the realms of amature boat builders and will not add any extra cost and possibly be cheaper. This is basically the same as the current ply construction method of glass over ply on the hull.
Food for thought I hope.
Craig
