On Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:44:21 +0100, "Jan"
wrote:

That's the one. The classification is European, and built up as you
indicate, but comparing to other similar boats of same size I do not
understand why it is this category.

I don't know the factors that are considered for an "off shore" rating
in the European system but it might be related to things like
hull/deck construction, cockpit size/drainage, mast step design/type
(keel stepped is stronger), sail area/displacement ratio, hatch size
and construction, etc.

My personal criteria for an off shore boat is one built strongly
enough that it has a resonable chance of surviving gale force winds
and wave heights over several days. That includes such possibilities
as taking green water over the full length of the boat from any
direction, and/or being tossed down into the trough from the top of a
15 or 20 foot wave. That may sound overly severe but things like that
happen all of the time in storm conditions off shore.