Question details:

Is it allowed to use servo for controlling the tension in the backstay?

Answer:

Relevant  Class Rules

Part 2
The rules of Part 2 are open class rules in which anything not specifically prohibited by the class rules is permitted.

C.9 EQUIPMENT
C.9.1 PROHIBITED
(a) Except where achieved by mechanical systems, automated control of rig and/or sails.

Answer

Servo may be a part of mechanical system used for controlling the tension of the backstay. It is allowed to use a servo controlled by the transmitter in the way that there is proportional or non proportional linear or rotational movement of the servo when actuated by the movement of a stick and/or a switch on the transmitter. In described way it is obvious that tensioning of the backstay is done by the competitor at his/her discretion. This is not automated control of rig prohibited by the class rule C.9.1(a).

However, using of servo to activate and deactivate an automatic tensioning system controlling the backstay is prohibited.

Question details:

Sailboat RC from Croatia (EU) as a manufacturer of IRSA radio sailing boats, its part and components has been warned about possible problems in the future with governments/customs regulations around the world dealing with the shipping of the parts made of lead.
According to the IRSA radio sailing Class Rules materials of keel and rudder shall not be of density higher than lead (11340 kg/m3 ).
Having in mind possible harmful consequences of using lead on the marine environment you are kindly asked to let us know whether the IRSA radio sailing boat bulb made of lead and coated with the long-lasting eco-friendly protective layer/coat is permitted.

Answer:

IRSA radio sailing boat bulb made of lead and coated with the long-lasting eco-friendly protective layer/coat is permitted according to the current Class Rules of all IRSA radio sailing boats.
So far, World Sailing (WS) as the world governing body for the sport of sailing has not issued any ban on the use of lead as ballast in the keels. IRSA as the worldwide radio sailing organization and an affiliated member of World Sailing (WS) will follow their possible future guidelines/rules aiming to reduce the harmful impact of lead or any other material used in boat construction which may danger the environment.

Question details:

Does a typical rc yacht balanced headsail boom meet the ERS definition of a boom?

Answer:

The ERS definition states:

F.1.4 (b)  BOOM

A spar attached at one end to a mast spar or a hull and on which the clew of a sail is set and on which the tack and/or foot of a sail may be set. Includes its rigging, fittings and any corrector weights, but not running rigging, running rigging blocks and/or any kicking strap/strut arrangement.

The question is raised because the attachment of a typical rc yacht balanced headsail spar to the hull is not at the very end but some distance, typically 10-20% of its length, from its fore end.

For a definitive answer this question would have to be answered by seeking an interpretation from the WS ERS Working Group. There are certain problems with the ERS definition(s) relating to spars which have been made known to the ERS WG and it may be that a defnitive answer would not be made. In the meantime the following discussion is offered.

Points to consider

1     Where it is important to identify the very end of a spar the ERS has such defintions e.g. the mast top point and the mast heel point. If it were necessary to require the very end of a boom spar to be attached to the mast or hull then we can assume a 'fore end point' would be defined. It has not been and so we should not take the ERS defintion of boom to mean that the very end of the spar is the critical point.

2     Experience shows that all practical main booms are attached to the mast using a fitting with the attachment point some distance from the very end. As these booms are not attached at the very end we should be able to assume that the very end is not intended as the required attachment point.

3    Spars can be considered to have two ends and a middle. If each of these regions is 1/3 of the total length then the attachment point of a typical rc yacht headsail boom is well within the end region.

Question details:

August 2018 changes to 2018 65 Class and Marblehead class rules. Why? And why have the Ten Rater and A Class rules not been changed?

Answer:

The 65, M, 10R and A class rules have certain restrictions and limitations relating to booms. In 2018 it became apparent that the ERS definition of a boom - a spar attached at one end to a mast spar or a hull and on which the clew of a sail is set .... and its fittings - meant that the class rules did not work well for swing rigged boats.

The class rules for the 65 and Marblehead class rules have been changed by the IRSA EC - effective 1st August 2018 - acting to maintain the previous common understanding of the class rules. The A Class does not permit swing rigs so the class rules need no change. One DNM has provided a proposal to change the class rules in the 10R Class and so this will pass through the formal procedure for dealing with such proposals.

Please see the related Q&A - Does a typical rc yacht balanced headsail boom meet the ERS definition of a boom?

Question details:

An owner has purchased a boat and wants to register change of ownership. The boat, K4172, was registered in May 1989.

Answer:

Discussion

At an event for Marblehead Class boats the current (2016, 2018 after 1^st April 2018) Class Rules apply.

Section B states:

For a boat to be eligible for racing, it shall comply with the rules in this section.
B.1 CLASS RULES AND CERTIFICATION
B.1.1 The boat shall:
(a) be in compliance with the class rules.
(b) have a valid certificate.
(c) have valid certification marks as required.

The boat shall comply with the class rules and have a valid certificate. However, 1988 class rule 2.6.2 indicates change of ownership invalidates the certificate. Therefore racing by the new owner under the original certificate, even if it exists, is not an option.

The boat has no valid certificate. In order to race a valid certificate is required. CR A.12.1 (b) applies – by application of A.9. A.9 describes the process for obtaining a new certificate.

Conclude

The boat shall be re-certified as per CR A.9.

The following points should be noted:
 
*The hull may comply with the class rules that applied at the time of its initial certification. This may be useful if any current class rule would prevent the hull from obtaining a certificate. On this basis the national letter in the hull may remain as K.

*The appendages shall comply with the current class rules.

*The rig shall comply with the current class rules.

*The sails shall comply with the current class rules or the class rules in force at the time of their initial certification. See 1988 CR 3.7.

*At world and continental championships the sail marks shall comply with the current RRS. The national letters shall be GBR.

*At other events the sail marks shall comply with the current RRS or the rules in force at the time of their initial certification. See 1988 CR 3.7 (f) to (h). Note that the use of national letters is not mandatory except at international events.

*If it is not clear when sails were certified they should be re-certified according to the current class rules.

Question details:

Can the spreadsheets for creating certificates and other spreadsheet based certification control forms be used on Apple computers?

Answer:

It seems they may not open and/or work correctly on Apple computers. IRSA does not have the resources to develop the same software to work correctly on Apple computers so, sadly, the options seem to be for official measurers and certification authorities to acquire the use of a pc or to use an emulator.

However, if you have been using IRSA certification material on Apple computers in the past, it is quite likely that you will be able to in the future.

Question details:

Why are the spreadsheets that create certificates (M, 10R & A Classes) openly available?

Answer:

Prior to 2016 there were two versions of the spreadsheet for each class.

In each case (M, 10R and A Class) the version available to the public (for use by official measurers, designers, sail makers and owners) allowed for data entry and calculation only and could not produce a certificate. The version made available to the IRSA DNMs only for use by their certification authority could produce a certificate. The idea was that it would be impossible forofficial measurers or others to have access to the certificate creation page.

In practice this did not work and the certificate creation versions were openly available. Recognising the way these things work in real life led the IRSA TC and EC to the conclusion that only one version of the spreadsheets is needed as it is the signature and official stamp on a certificate that authenticates it rather than the software from which it is produced.

Certification authorities are advised to take care to ensure that the method of signing and attaching their official stamp does not lend itself to illicit copying.

Each spreadsheet contains a (hidden) algorithm that finds a two digit code that is printed on each sheet of a certificate. The same code will be created each time the same data is entered. This is a simple precaution that confirms that the 'certificate' has been produced on the official IRSA version of the spreadsheet.

Question details:

Why should a different gauge used for draught restriction than for length restriction ?

Answer:

Use of the length restriction gauge adapted to also restrict the draught of the Marblehead class was proposed when the draught limit was introduced in that class (late 1990s).

The conclusion at the time was that use of a combined gauge would have major disadvantages –

• it would not restrict the draught of a boat as accurately/effectively as a transverse draught restriction gauge does
• it would be easy to get more draught by lowering the bow and stern of the boat into the water
• it would tend to encourage boats that were not manoeuvrable

The following notes expand on this. In the time leading up to the Marblehead rule change the major section, relative to the true waterplane, of all available M designs were placed on a single piece of paper#. There was a spot on the 'hulls' about 50 mm off the centreline that all the sections passed through with a + or - 3 mm variation. This + or – 3 mm range is a very small variation from the average value being + or - 0.5% of the overall draught figure.

The bow and stern profiles of the same designs were all plotted, relative to the true waterplane, in the same way and there was a large vertical range at the 'measurement points' created by the ledges in the length restriction gauge. A + or - 10 mm range, or more, was found.

This test indicates that, in a mature class, the transverse draught restriction gauge is approximately three times better/more effective for controlling draught than the length restriction gauge.

It was also considered how the different restriction methods could be exploited to gain additional draught.

Using the transverse draught restriction gauge

The section shape of a hull near midships could be altered to increase draught marginally. However the change that is necessary would have the following effects:

• increased wetted surface area
• increased form drag (due to distorted section shape)
• decreased prismatic coefficient (or beam, or waterline length) for the same displacement

These effects were all counterproductive and would tend to discourage such changes or negate them if tried.

Using the length restriction gauge

The bow and stern profile of a hull could be altered to increase draught markedly. The change would have the following effects:

• longer waterline length (if not already maximised)
• increased prismatic coefficient (or decreased beam or decreased hull depth)
• marginally increased wetted surface area for same displacement
• decreased manoeuvrability

The first and second might be viewed as positively useful. The third of these effects was the only one that directly adversely affected straight line speed but was marginal in size. The fourth, which may not be considered as a problem, was probably the most serious negative factor.

Based on the data and brief analysis above the conclusion at the time was that the transverse draught restriction gauge would be the better choice for the following reasons:

• It controlled draught several times better than a combined gauge
• With a transverse gauge any exploitation of section shape could give marginally increased draught but created three disincentives and no clear benefit
• With a combined gauge any exploitation of profile shape could give a marked increase in draught, had two potential benefits and only one negative factor which might not be recognised as such.
• It would be unwise to use a draught restriction system that might encourage designs of boats that were not manoeuvrable.
• Dedicated length and draught restriction gauges are smaller, easier to handle and transport than a combined gauge

For the same reasons the Marblehead system is proposed for the 65 and NANO class rules.

End

Question details:

To what extent are hollows permitted in the profile of a Marblehead hull?

Answer:

The relevant rule is D.2.3 (b) (2).

D.2.3   CONSTRUCTION

(b)         Except for the trunking for hull appendages, the hull shall not have:

(2)         hollows in the plan view and/or the profile under the datum waterplane that exceed 3 mm,

The drawing shows a hollow in the profile under the datum waterplane. There is a difference between the true waterline (waterplane) and the datum waterplane referred to in the class rules. The class rules use a length restriction gauge of a specified design to determine the datum waterplane.

The drawing shows a hull with a hollow in the profile at the stern. It also shows the length restriction gauge and the datum waterplane. The hollow found when a straight edge is placed to touch the hull at A and D is greater than 3 mm. However D.2.3 (b) (2) applies to hollows under the datum waterplane. When a straight edge is placed touching the hull at B and C, the hollow is less than or equal to 3 mm. The hull, therefore, complies with D.2.3 (b) (2).

Question details:

How large can the sail maker label be on sails? Or the manufacturer label on other items of equipment? The class rules do not restrict this?

Answer:

The relevant rules are contrained in the World Sailing Advertising Code, also known as Regulation 20.

Clause 20.7.1 states that the display of manufacturer's and sailmaker's marks is permitted at all times as detailed in Table 2 but not in areas that area reserved for Event Advertising. For radio controlled boats the area reserved for Event Advertising is 40% of the hull length on each side of the hull from the foremost point on the hull. No Event Advertising is permitted on the boom(s), backstay or sails.

20.7.2 tells us a manufacturer's mark may include the name, logo or other identification marks of the designer or manufacturer of the equipment.

20.7.3 tells us that a sailmaker's mark may include the name, logo or other identification marks of a sailmaker or of the sail cloth manufacturer or the pattern or model of the sail.

Table 2 – Manufacturer’s and Sailmaker’s Marks

Radio-controlled boat

Hull  - On each side of the hull, and may include the name or mark of the designer or builder - One mark to fit within a rectangle measuring 15% of hull length x 150mm                     

Spars and Equipment - On each side of spars and on each side of other equipment - One mark not exceeding 50mm length                    

Sails - On each side of sails and kites - One mark to fit within a 50mm diameter circle

Question details:

Template to assist measurement of Marblehead sails and rigs

Answer:

Daniel Kohler (FRA) was seen using this simple but useful template at the 2016 Marblehead Championship in France. The design is by Michel Brun (do you have a CAD file please, Michel, that we can add as a download?).

It seemed to be laser cut or CNC cut from aluminium alloy. The dimensions of the cuts outs etc are used as follows:

900 mm radius - control of upper and lower regions of leech

105 mm - maximum batten length

40 mm - top width of pocket luff mainsails, mast spar cross section below lower point, combined boom spar cross section where two boom spars are joined, boom spar cross section within 100 mm of one end

25 mm - top width of mainsail that has a luff rope

20 mm - mast spar cross section above lower point, headboard width and top width for mainsail

13 mm - minimum bumper length

3 mm - minimum limit mark width

PLEASE NOTE - The 40 x 40 and 20 x 20 cut outs DO NOT imply that the mast and/or boom may be square sections in those regions. The class rules make it clear that the limit is on any cross section - a 40 mm diameter or 20 mm diameter are effectively the maximum sections permitted.  

Question details:

Is there a size limit for primary and/or secondary reinforcement on Marblehead Class sails? Is the material used for primary and/or secondary reinforcement restricted in any way?

Answer:

Primary or secondary reinforcement used on Marblehead Class sails is un-restricted in size.

Class Rule G.2.5 (a) requires sails to be soft sails.

ERS G.1.4 (c) defines a soft sail as one where the body of the sail is capable of being folded flat in any direction without damaging the ply other than by creasing.

ERS G.1.4 (a) tells us the body of the sail is the sail excluding areas where parts are added e.g. (ERS G.1.1) sail reinforcements.

Therefore sail reinforcements do not have to comply with the soft sail test.

ERS G.6.1 tells us that primary reinforcement is an unrestricted number of additional layers of ply of permitted material and that secondary reinforcement is not more than two layers of ply of permitted material not thicker than the body of the sail. As there are no restrictions on size the maker is free to use any reinforcement that complies with the restriction on primary reinforcement.

The only requirement is that reinforcement consists of ply of permitted material (there are no restrictions so any material is permitted subject to it being a ply).

ERS G.1.4 (b) defines a ply as a sheet of sail material (which may be made up of a number of layers).

Provided the reinforcement is made up of sail material it is compliant with the Marblehead class rules.

Question details:

Is it permitted to use deck spreaders?

Answer:

A deck spreader is defined in the ERS F1.4 (c)(iii) as a hull spar extending transversely to attach standing rigging. A hull spar is defined in ERS F.1.4 (c) as a spar attached to the hull. The spars permitted on a Marblehead rig are limited to one mast spar, one headsail luff spar and four boom spars.

A deck spreader is not permitted.

If the spreader is attached only to the mast, and not to the deck, then it no longer falls within the definition of a deck spreader. Instead it is a spreader defined in ERS F.1.5 as equipment used to brace a spar, attached at one end to the spar and the other end to rigging and working in compression when in use. It is effectively the same as any other spreader, normally placed higher up the mast.

A spreader, if not attached to the hull, is permitted.

Question details:

Does the Certification Authority have to use an official stamp in the relevant place when issuing a certificate?

Answer:

There is no prescribed requirement for the size or style of ‘official stamp’. At an event the person inspecting the official stamp on a certificate has no means of knowing if it is the correct one or not. The important thing is that the issuing Certification Authority will recognise it at some future stage should the certificate be referred back to it for any reason.

Any size or style of official stamp will suffice providing the CA is happy that it can recognise it as authentic at a later stage.

Question details:

What has happened to the previous interpretations? There were many interpretations to the previous versions of the Marblehead, Ten Rater and A Class Rules. Where are they now?

Answer:

IRSA regulations restrict the life of an interpetation to two years - after that time any interpretation ceases to be valid. The reason for this is that it is expected that the class rules will be changed during the two year period to make the interpretation unnecessary.

Where the new class rules require equipment to comply with the current class rules, if the class rules incorporate the effect of the earlier interpretation(s), then clearly the intrerpretation(s) is no longer needed. This explains why some interpetations are no longer needed and have been removed.

Where the new class rules permit equipment to comply with earlier versions of the class rules (usually known as 'grandfathering') then the earlier interpretation, although expired, remains relevant and is retained for information. A few such interpretations are retained.

Many other interpretations that were issued in the period before 2014 have been revised and are presented here in the form of Q&As (see Q&A on the difference between an interpretation and a Q&A). Again, this explains why many earlier interpetations are no longer needed and have been removed.

Question details:

Under the 2002 CR was it permitted to use a 'square' boom spar cross section 20 mm wide x 20 mm deep?

Answer:

The 2002 CR restricted the boom spar cross section to 20 mm. The ERS definitions referred to vertical boom spar cross section and transverse boom spar cross section which led to the unfounded belief that the Marblehead boom spars were restricted in a vertical sense and a transverse sense thus permitting 20 mm 'square' section boom spars. As the term boom spar cross section was not itself defined in the ERS - the class rules effectively permitted a maximum boom spar cross section equal to a 20 mm diameter circle. A square section could be used but would have a maximum side of 14.1 mm.

The 2016 CR revert to the term 'cross section' and a diagram indicates how the limit is applied.

Boats in the class shall have rigs that comply with the 2016 CR even if initially certified before the 2016 CR came into effect.

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.  

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

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:

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.