$author = "PSK125 " ;
"Accuracy" is exactly why it makes no sense to develop rules that are difficult
and expensive to use, like IMS. There are too many variables. The rating may
be exactly-spot-on accurate to twenty decimal places in ten knots of wind with
no waves and a wing-sail that doesn't bend and a helmsman who steers razor
straight. Last time I went out, however, it was blowing 25, there were five
foot waves, my sails had all sorts of strings to adjust their shape, (along
wiith the mast's), the boat heeled, I had one fewer crew than I would have
liked on board, and my course changed at least 3degrees when I got handed a
cup of cocoa. PHRF - perhaps with an adjustment to cover "condidtions" as is
being called for in IMS - would be a lot cheaper and easier to administer and
determine. And perhaps just as "accurate".

AOLI agree/AOL

When I read the intial query my first thought was "Who was sailing the boat
while you were staring at the GPS so much?"

Sailing has an infinite number of variables and designing a rule that takes
into account every one of them is impossible. It's a matter of compromise to
come up with something that approximates a level playing field.

If it all gets too much for you, find a one design class.

marty

--
"I yearned for her not in the way a warrior yearns to conquer, but in the way a
ship captain yearns to be out on the ocean." [1]

- rizzo

[1] http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2002/11/4/21550/3557