Steve wrote:
a major change in
the design (changed the rudder attachment) in 1973. So the current
Sunfish design is not as old as the Hobie 14 or 16.

I'm not so sure improving one piece of hardware should be considered
"major". The hull is the same, the rudder is the same, as well as the
sail, centerboard, and rigging. The Class Association still lets them
all race against each other no matter the age. The change just
prevents the rudder from kicking up so easily, IIRC. Hobie has made a
number of improvements on their boats as well. Nothing major, just
minor little changes. I think practically all boats have done that.

Rick