Posted on behalf of the Fleet 1 Board of Directors:

Questions and complaints fielded by the board this summer seem to indicate a confusion between two Fleet 1 bylaws. It is well known that evening races are “informal”. Informal races relax Fleet 1 ownership and Skipper Division rules allowing anyone to enter and/or drive the boat. This is codified in the following rule:

I.G.3 Evening series and other informal regattas are open to all participants and the rules requiring Fleet membership (Owner/ Skipper), and the Fleet Race Division rules do not apply. If non- Fleet races start A, B or C divisions, it is suggested, but not a requirement, that skippers race in the division for which they are a part of, if possible.

It would appear the term “informal” is being interpreted by some as relaxing other rules, such as Fleet 1 permitted sails which is codified in this rule:

III.C.7 The Fleet has appointed Elliott/Pattison Sailmakers as its sole permitted sail maker for new mainsails, and Ullman Sails as its sole permitted sail maker for new jibs. No other sail/sail maker combinations will be allowed. The Board may change this rule by a majority vote.

So, using other sails for an actual or perceived performance advantage, “testing”  sails for the same, or just using other sails to save permitted sails for High Point races is not allowed. The board offers this clarification in hopes of alleviating the problem while staying out of the protest room where no one wants to go.

The Fleet 1 board remains steadfast in  the belief that the incredible success of the Harbor 20 Class is attributable to the adherence of strict one-design racing as stated in the Class bylaws in rule II.A.2.