window in mainsail

[Andy B]

According to the rules you can have a 'Clear window up to 36" long by 12" wide'
New sails don't have windows.

Rule book can be found here
http://www.sprint15.com/rules/class_rules.php

[Brian Phipps]

Hi , As with many things there are + & - to adding a window.
The original design did not include a window to deliver max durability.
I understand the class association updated the rule to allow a window as a optional visual safety feature.
Whilst a window will provide a limited amount of improve visibility the window material will have a shorter life and are less durable should you fall into them during a capsize and need a certain amount of care when stored.
Hope that helps.
Brian
Windsport Sprint 15 technical support

[Bob Carter]

Yes Brian is quite right. A window in the mainsail is an option but most sailors do not want one and we do not want it as standard equipment. All of our class legal design changes are optional. The golden rules which we have followed when passing all those changes in rule 10 at our AGMs are:
1) they must be inexpensive
2) they must be easily retrofitted to old boats, so the old boats do not become obsolete.
3) they must not make a significant change to boat speed and represent an unfair advantage.
It is only by following these rules that we have maintained fair one design class racing yet allowed minor variations which make the boat nicer to sail.
Regards
Bob

[Liam]

I would recommend a window to anyone. Being able to see people crossing you without having to duck your head or hike out is a real bonus. They are not expensive to fit - any sail maker should be able to fit them.

[Liam]

The golden rules which we have followed when passing all those changes in rule 10 at our AGMs are:
1) they must be inexpensive
2) they must be easily retrofitted to old boats, so the old boats do not become obsolete.
3) they must not make a significant change to boat speed and represent an unfair advantage.
It is only by following these rules that we have maintained fair one design class racing yet allowed minor variations which make the boat nicer to sail.

These are good rules. We should work hard to maintain these rules.