Actually Bob, the black band is a measurement point for rating a
yacht.



Again, there appears to be a dispute and this is obviously not the ONLY
reason for the black band. I sailed a IP 35 this summer and it had the
mark...and I can assure it never raced or sought a specific rating when
he bought it new.

Here's a pic of the IP 35 showing the band as well.

http://anchoryachts.com/images/isl03...l035s001_1.jpg



RB
35s5
NY