Question details:

Where a mainsail has a pocket luff over only a part of the luff, how are the luff perpendicular, quarter width, half width, three-quarter width and head width to be taken?

Answer:

The ERS G.1.4 (g) defines a double luff sail as “….a sail with more than one luff or a sail passing round a spar and attached back on itself.”

The sail does pass round the spar and attaches back on itself so it is a double luff sail and shall be measured as prescribed even where the double luff is not present. The class rule G.2.4 (b)(1) prescribes that the luff perpendicular and cross widths shall be taken to the luff, or to the fore edge of the spar, whichever gives the greater dimension.

The ERS G.4.2 shows how the head point of the mainsail is found at the intersection of the luff, extended as necessary, and the line through the highest point of the sail at 90 degrees to the luff. When the luff is extended in this way, the head point will be a point at the forward edge of the mast spar.

Where the sail has a series of short luff sleeves, each like a double luff, in total no more than 10% of the luff in length and no one of them more than twice as long as the shortest, then the sail ceases to be a pocket luff sail. The widths shall all be taken to the luff excluding the luff sleeves which are discontinuous attachments. Class rule G.2.4 (b)(5) refers.

Question details:

Can a boat with a certificate in one class also hold a valid certificate in another class?

Answer:

There is no rule in any of the International One Metre, Marblehead, Ten Rater or A Class class rules which prevents a boat from having a valid certificate for another class.

Question details:

Answer:

No. C.6.3 prevents the movement, articulation, retraction or extension of hull appendages (including the ballast). Additionally RRS 51, which is not excluded by Appendix E of the RRS, states that movable ballast ‘for the purpose of changing trim or stability’ is not allowed.

1994 CR 4.1.1 prevents movement of the ballast fore and aft and canting keels per se are not prohibited. However, when a race is un using the RRS and RRS 51 is not cancelled the effect is the same.

The same logic applies to the other classes too.

Question details:

What sail identification marks shall be displayed when a hull holds a certificate in more than one class.

Answer:

When a boat races it shall carry the appropriate sail identification marks for that class. Providing they do not affect the legibility of the marks, alternative class insignia may remain on the sails.

Question details:

Is it permitted to have a hull with a beam less than 100 mm?

Answer:

No.

For a hull certified to the 2002 CR, if the maximum beam of the hull is less than 100 mm it will not be possible to use the depth gauge in the prescribed way to test compliance with C.5.2.

If the hull beam is 100 mm or more it will be able to meet class rule C.5.2 but this may impose restrictions on the design of the hull appendages, as on a 100 mm wide hull the gauge may touch the hull at only one section and will have to rotate about a single point of contact.

For a hull certified under the 2016 CR, D.2.4 specifiies a minimum hull beam of 100 mm.

Question details:

Is a rotating mast head fitting (approx. 10 x 20 mm) that supports the head of the mainsail permitted?

Answer:

If the size is no bigger than is necessary, yes.

The 2016 CR require rigs to comply with the 2016 CR. The rule relevant to the design of rig fittings has changed marginally. A rotating fitting or a fitting attached to a rotating spar shall be no bigger than is necessary.

Question details:

Where there are multiple deck limit marks, how should the measurer chose which one to measure to?

Answer:

The Marblehead class rules do not seek to restrict the shape of the deck near the mast. It would be complex to do so and the point to which rig height is measured is taken to be relatively non-critical.

A deck limit mark for each rig/sail group shall be displayed on the hull centreplane near to the relevant mast position. The limit marks shall be a minimum of 5 mm in diameter.

It is for the owner to decide where to place each limit mark. If there is any lack of clarity regarding which limit mark applies to a rig/sail group the owner should be asked to identify the limit mark(s) accordingly.

Once the limit marks are identified the official measurer can carry out his measurements.

Equipment inspectors (event measurers) carrying out pre-race checks may wish to make deck limit marks 'permanent' by signing over the top.

Question details:

Who issues a certificate for Marblehehad and 10R classes?

Answer:

The certification authority issues the certificate. As of 1st July 2016 all the IRSA classes have the same administrative section. It is A.9 that indicates it is the certification authority that issues a certificate.

The term 'certification authority' is defined in the ERS as:

For the hull: the ISAF, the MNA of the owner or their delegates.

For other items: the ISAF, the MNA of the country where the certification shall take place, or their delegates.

The members of IRSA are the bodies to which the administration of RC sailing has been delegated (if not the MNA of the country itself) and which are known as the DNMs. So, for the hull it is the IRSA DNM of the owner.

For other items it will usually be the same but it could be the MNA or delegate of MNA in another country where the emasurement took place. This would apply where, for example, sails were certified in house by a sailmaker who had been delegated the authority to do that.

See also the related Q&A concerning who is the certification authority, or DNM, for an owner.

Question details:

A recent ruling for the IOM class says the certification authority for the hull is the DNM of the country where the owner is resident.  Does this apply to the M, 10R, and A Classes too?

Answer:

Yes.

The IOM, Marblehead, Ten Rater and A Class class rules indicate the certification measurement forms (measurement forms) are sent to the certification authority in the country where the hull is to be registered. This seems to give the owner some choice over where his hull is to be registered.  However, ERS C.3.1 defines the certification authority as 'the MNA of the owner'. Where the term certification authority is used it shall be understood to be the certification authority in the country where the owner is resident or in the country of which the owner is a national. This is normally the DNM (Delegated National Member for radio sailing) in the country.

Question details:

Where the deck is irregularly shaped near the mast, where is the correct place for the deck limit mark?

Answer:

The IOM class rules do not seek to restrict the shape of the deck near the mast. It would be complex to do so and the point to which rig height is measured is taken to be relatively non-critical.

A deck limit mark shall be displayed on the hull centreplane near to the mast position. The mark shall be a minimum of 5 mm in diameter.

It is for the owner to decide where to place the mark.

Once the mark is placed the measurer can carry out his measurements.

Equipment inspectors (event measurers) carrying out pre-race checks may wish to make the deck limit mark 'permanent' by signing over the top.

Question details:

Why are boat weights and lengths not required to be checked at certification control (measurement)?

Answer:

It used to be normal for class rules to require all equipment to be checked for compliance with the class rules. It was also normal for the certificate or class rules to state that alterations would invalidate the certificate. Yet it was commonplace for owners to make alterations to their boat/equipment without returning to the measurer to have it re-checked. This made it tedious for scrupulous owners to enjoy the freedom to develop their boats in the same way that less scrupulous owners did.

Clearly, when a boat competes at an event it is important that it complies with the class rules in all aspects. However at certification control (measurement) it makes no sense to check the overall length or draught of a boat because those dimensions necessarily depend on the weight of the boat and its flotation which are in turn affected by the weight and placement of removable items (rudder, fin, ballast, rc equipment). By removing those checks from certification control a tank and accurate scales are not required before a certificate can be issued. Only at an event when those items are in place need, and can, those dimensions be checked. If a tank and accurate scales are available at certification control measurers are encouraged to monitor those checks if owners wish. But owners need to be made aware of their continuing responsibilities after the certificate has been issued.

The freedom granted to the owners to alter equipment is balanced by their responsibility to ensure that their boat complies with the class rules when competing at an event. It follows that equipment inspection at an event (always difficult when flotation has to be checked) is the only way to monitor correct compliance with the class rules. At an event a tank can be used to check all the boats, far more efficient than at each boat's certification control. 

Should a boat be found not to comply with the weight and dimensional limits the responsibility lies clearly and solely with the owner for failing to ensure compliance. Altering the boat and failing to take steps to ensure continued compliance with the class rules might be taken as a breach of RRS 69 by a jury.

Question details:

Section C of the class rules requires the hull registration number to be displayed legibly on the external surface of the hull with a minimum height of 20 mm.

Answer:

Yes. Providing the hull registration number digits are of minimum height 20 mm, are clearly legible, are easily visible, are painted, engraved, bonded in or moulded in, and are on a non-removable part of the hull then both rules are satisfied by a single set of numbers.

However, it is often more convenient and attractive to use vinyl numbers on the deck to satisfy the Section C rule and some more convenient method on an inside area to satisfy the Section D rule.

Bear in mind the purpose of the rules: the Section C rule is for the benefit of the race committee and other competiors at an event to help identify a boat when it does not have it's rig in place; the Section D rule is to permanently and uniquely identify a boat so that it may be grandfathered, if needed, at a later date. In 50+ year's time the number will also add value and interest to any boat that has survived that long.

Question details:

Answer:

The ERS is a document maintained by the ISAF which is a revised on the same 4 year cycle as the Racing Rules of Sailing. The current version may be found on the ISAF website and there are several versions in translation listed there too.

http://www.sailing.org/documents/isaf-equipment-rules.php

Question details:

What is the difference between a Q&A and a Class Rules Interpretation?

Answer:

An interpretation is requested when it is not clear (to a designer, builder, measurer, class association or certification authority) how a class rule shall be interpreted. When an interpretation is issued it should be kept in mind that the interpretation is valid until the class rules are changed or for two years maximum only. The purpose of this last rule is that two years gives sufficient time to consider if the effect of the interpretation is a) desirable or b) undesirable. Depending on the decision or choice (a or b, by the IRSA TC or the class depending on whether there is an independent class organisation or not) the class rules can be revised accordingly.

Thus, when drafting any interpretation, it should be kept in mind how the class rules should/could be revised to make the original interpretation request redundant.

It follows that, if no revised class rule can be written, there is no need to issue an interpretation. Where no interpretation is required, but only an explanation of the effect of the class rules, it follows that it would be appropriate to deal with the original request by issuing a Q&A to be published on the IRSA website and elsewhere as appropriate.

This is the guiding principle used by the IRSA Technical Committee when considering any question about the class rules whether it is a formal request for an interpretation or not.

Question details:

When the foot of a double luff sail falls below the lower limit mark, does it comply with the class rules?

Answer:

The class rules (Marblehead and A Class) require that the tack point shall not be set below the upper edge of the lower limit mark. The tack point is normally aft of the mast spar but on a double luff sail (specifically a pocket luff sail) it may be forward of the mast spar. In this case it may be that the foot of the sail overlaps the lower limit mark (as shown on the diagram). There is no requirement in either class rule that the foot of the sail shall be above the lower limit mark.

A sail set as shown in the diagram complies with the class rules.

Question details:

At what point, on change of ownership, does the certificate become invalid?

Answer:

The certificate becomes invalid upon a change of ownership. The change of ownership is the important criterion – not the signing of the certificate by the new owner – not the issue of the new certificate in the new owner’s name.

However, while the concept of ownership is normally well understood between any two people it may be that the law of the land becomes relevant in particular cases and this may vary depending on the contract involved and where the ‘transaction’ takes place.

The view is that IRSA class rules are not intended to, nor do they, shed any light on ownership or when it changes hands.

Question details:

Does an alternative sail have to fit within the profile of the 'largest' measured sail?

Answer:

No. Under the 2002 class rules it is required that 'alternative' sails shall fall within the profile of the sails recorded on the certificate. The 2016 class rules do not require this.

Sail makers will be aware that sails are 3D objects and small changes to the inbuilt shape at the seams will have an effect on the profile of the sail. Although apparently simple in its requirements, the 2002 class rule creates several problems. Unless the sailmaker knows the leech length of a sail he is replacing he is unable to make a sail of the same profile (even if it is a purely 2D object). Even 1 mm more, or 1 mm less, leech length or luff curve results in the profile of the replacement sail not matching the original. It is not smart to have a class rule that does not allow the owner to replace his equipment and easily meet the class rules. Further, unless the sails measured and recorded on the certificate are retained by the owner when he has replacement sails they, and the other 'alternative' sails cannot be checked according to the class rules.

The 2016 class rules no longer require alternative sails to fall within the profile of the sails recorded on the certificate but treat the issue in a slightly different way that solves the problems mentioned above and gives other benefits. How?

The way in which the 'largest' sail is placed on the measurement grid has been revised marginally - the head and tack are placed on a line perpendicular to the transverse grid lines with the clew placed on a grid line. At and above the clew the cross widths are taken as usual (but at 200 mm intervals instead). Below the clew the depths are taken at 50 mm intervals. The dimensions are recorded on the certificate.

'Alternative' sails are checked by placing them on the grid in the same way and checking that their dimensions (measured in the same way) are equal to or less than the certificate dimensions.

There is no requirement for these 'alternative' sails to fall within the profile of the 'largest'. This introduces freedom to have sails made with different luff curves (or fullness/camber for example) but which comply with the certificate. Any width added at the luff needs to be removed at the leech. Provided the cross widths measured at all grid lines remain less than or equal to the certifiate values, the sail complies. See the diagram above.

The sail maker has all the information he needs to make sails that comply with the class rules as extended by the boat's certificate without asking for more. At equipment inspection there need be no difficulty in establishing a sail's compliance under the 2016 class rules.

This freedom exists for boats with certificates to the 2016 class rules only. Boats measured to the 2002 class rules and any new sails made for them shall continue to comply with those class rules. 

Question details:

A Ten Rater has its largest sails measured for the purpose of establishing its rating. Those sail sizes are entered on the measurement form and are recorded on the certificate. The same is true for an A Class boat and for a Marblehead (usually the largest of A rig, of B rig and of C rig). Is it necessary to have smaller sails measured and certified?

Answer:

Yes.

The smaller sails are measured to ensure they are indeed smaller and that they meet the other requirements and restrictions. Then they are certified (usually by the measurer signing the sails) to show that this porocess has bene completed satisfactorily.

Question details:

Use of boats with certificates issued by sources other than IRSA affiliated bodies?

Answer:

No.

The IRSA international classes are distinct from classes using the same name but which are not administered (ultimately) by IRSA. For example the Naviga administered One Metre, Marblehead and Ten Rater classes are different classes and the certificates issued under those rules are not valid for IRSA events (world or continental championships) or events normally organised by IRSA affiliated bodies. The same is true for the Marblehead class administered by the American Model Yachting Association which uses class rules different to the international class rules.

The owner of a boat in one of those classes can obtain a certificate for the international class after having his boat measured to the IRSA class rule. To do this he should find an official measurer (please see the Equipment Rules of Sailing) and then contact his certification authority (normally the body in his country that administer rc sailing and is affiliated to IRSA). If he is a member of a body affiliated to his World Sailing Member National Authority (the body responsible for the administration of SAILING in his country) he will then be eligible to take part in events for the international class.

Question details:

Answer:

It is inevitable that a new set of class rules may have a rule which is thought to be in error or in need of amendment. Suggest a rule change to your DNM. If it agrees, or if you are the DNM, send it to the TC Chairman for further discussion. Please read carefully our regulations and Q&A to avoid unnecessary work before you send any suggestions to the TC. Proposals for rule changes should be based on meaningful technical evidence and not on loud repetitions.