Hi Matt,
This change was part of the 2017 review. It also allows control lines and mainsheet to be included in the weight which were not previously. All these changes disadvantage older boats. Queensland voted against the rule changes because there was no acceptable reason provided to change this rule or many of the other rule changes. I am happy to discuss in detail privately if you want to contact me (Qld Measurer).
John Campbell
“Close Enough For Jazz” 1842