Being a development class don the guys with the biggest wallets win?
A common misconception! On inland venues the older National 12s can be just as competitive as the newer ones and it is usually the good guys who will win in either. On open water the more modern designs have an edge being wider and lighter, however the boatspeed differences are more likely to be down to the age of sails, finish on the hull etc. than an extra few kilogrammes being carried around. The biggest difference with the latest 12s is the improved feel as they accelerate and respond that little bit quicker. Q: Don’t one designs have fairer racing A: Not really. It is a unfortunate reality that in any class the newest boats and sails race faster and have an advantage. One designs do demand conformity in many aspects – where the national 12 sailor is free to experiment and express themselves.
