R Class Remits 1999

by rclass — last modified 2007-06-20T16:04:02+13:00

In modifying existing class rules we have always been guided by the principle "fewer regulations are better". This motto has worked very successfully in part because of the R class culture whereby competitors respect the spirit of the rules. There is also a high level of trust between squadrons.

Remits 1999

Preamble

In modifying existing class rules we have always been guided by the principle "fewer regulations are better". This motto has worked very successfully in part because of the R class culture whereby competitors respect the spirit of the rules. There is also a high level of trust between squadrons

1. Remit one

Leander Trophy Conditions - measurement clause 7.4

Present clause reads

7.4 "All sails nominated shall be marked by a contest official prior to the start of the first race"

Proposed clause to replace this

7.4 "The sails to be used during the contest must be nominated on the official measurement form or declaration."

Supporting comments.

Under the existing clause all sails need to be seen and marked prior to the first Leander Trophy race by the contest measurer. Given that racing begins early on the first day it is impractical if not impossible to mark all sails in this way. It is also unnecessary provided there is a record of the nominated sails prior to the first race, and all nominated sails have been measured and marked, signed and dated by the squadron measurer as required by the rules.

Under the proposed change competitors can use the invitation race to finalise their sail nomination but they must ensure that these are the sails that appear on the official measurement form. For example if a competitor has more two mainsails measured it must be clear on the measurement form which one has been nominated.

The need for squadron measurers to sign and hand in measurement forms on time is important. There are obvious difficulties for some Auckland 12' skiff competitors who arrive without a finalised sail plan and sometimes unmeasured sails. It is also clear that there should be a measurement form with all the measurement details for each set of sails used - filed by the National sec. Sails measured for the first time must have more than just total area recorded on the form.

2. Clarification-

A potential misinterpretation was mentioned at the last contest. The total working sail area (main & jib) is as per the measurement form. The full area of a mainsail is counted whether it is reefed or not. The use of a reefed main does not allow an oversize jib to be used to compensate. There could be a case for dispensation if a 12' skiff is adapting an otherwise oversize main from its 12' wardrobe for the contest by carrying a permanent reef but this has not been requested as yet.

3. Remit two

R class specifications -halyard release

Present clause reads

"5.1 Mainsails shall be fitted with a quick release mechanism or halyard, but not a bolt, lashing, or shackle."

Proposed clause

"5.1 Mainsails shall be able to be lowered on the water. The hoist must not be lashed, and where a shackle is used a shackle tool must be carried on board."

Supporting comments

This rule change is long overdue. This is a safety clause and the reality is that when in trouble on the water the mainsail is usually lowered with the boat on its side. The nature of the new R rig and its flexible mast tip makes quick release mechanisms unreliable and impractical and consequently few boats carry them. This remit requires a 2/3 majority from registered owners. to be passed.

Remit three

Spinnaker measurement. Two options are proposed, the first being preferred from a sailmakers point of view.

Option one. In R Class specifications-9.6 Spinnakers "9.6.2" and "9.6.3" and "9.6.4" be replaced by 9.6.2 Spinnakers shall be measured when stretched firmly at each corner.

9.6.3 The perimeter of the spinnaker shall be measured by taking the luff length, the clew length and the foot length and adding these lengths together.

9.6.4 The calculated perimeter shall not exceed 20 metres.

The appropriate changes would be made to the measurement form and spinnaker diagram.

Supporting comments

The triangular area of current spinnakers will be the same under this rule. Spinnakers could conceivably be increased in triangular area by reducing the luff and increasing the foot. However such a kite is likely to be less effective. The main advantage of this proposal is that spinnakers can be made more easily to suit the luff length required. The sail maker will be able to confidently cut and design spinnakers which will measure.

Option 2

In R Class specifications-9.6 Spinnakers "9.6.2" and "9.6.3" be replaced by

9.6.2 Spinnakers shall be measured when stretched firmly at each corner.

9.6.3 The triangular area of the spinnaker shall be measured by taking the luff length, the clew length and the foot length. The area shall be calculated by

Supporting Comments

This option retains the same area as at present. It makes it a little easier to measure avoiding the tack to clew measurement.

These remits have been distributed to squadrons for consideration and voting at the conference 2000 at the Leander in Feb 24. Any other remite must be forwarded to squadrons and the secretary by November 30.