CLASS RULES
(Note: This web page
does NOT constitute a master copy of the rules and should not be relied upon
when purchasing equipment and sails or in the settlement of any dispute.
The definitive rules are those laid
out in the handbook and modifications agreed at the AGM and published in the
minutes.)
The Contessa 32 Class Rules are divided into four sections:
- General and Race Management
- Yacht Specification
- Sail Specification
- Safety Equipment and Regulations
The Committee wishes to preserve the friendly atmosphere of the Contessa
races and firmly believes that the more racing rules are understood and
followed, the greater will be the pleasure in class racing.
PART 1 - GENERAL AND RACE MANAGEMENT
CONTESSA 32 CLASS SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP
The annual subscription is £20. Subscriptions are due on 1st January every
year; payment should be made to the "Contessa 32 Class" and sent to the
Hon.
Treasurer.
The following membership rules should be noted:
- Only C032 owners may vote at a Contessa 32 Class meeting. Only one vote
per boat may be cast. Proxy votes are allowed.
- If the boat is to be raced, then there must be a member on board.
- A Charter company must be a member. The Charterer must be a member.
In a partnership, there is only one vote per boat.
N.B. For those entering Contessa 32 races, please note Class
Rule 1.1 requires a member on board. If the full Subscription has not been
received by the Class Treasurer, then the boat is NOT eligible to race.
1.1 Eligibility
A boat has to be entered by a fully paid up Member of the Contessa 32 Class
and the owner, or their designated representative, who must also be a paid up
member of the Class, must be on board. For boats that are chartered, then the
charterer must be a Member or become a Member of the Class before he can enter
and compete in a race. To be a Member the annual subscription must have been
received by the Class Treasurer. A yacht's entry to compete in any class event
will be regarded as a declaration to this effect.
1.2 Entry Procedure
Entry to class races will be made on the entry form(s) provided through the
Sailing Secretary or directly to the yacht club organising the event as
prescribed by the Sailing Secretary.
1.3 Race Instructions
The Class will race under the Class Rules, ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing,
RYA prescriptions and the sailing and special instructions of the club
organising the event. The latter will wherever possible, be sent to members
who have entered at their address (as in the Handbook), or be available from
the Sailing Secretary, or the organising club. Yachts racing offshore should
refer to the current Offshore Racing Council Special Regulations, available
from the RORC.
1.4 Safety
Class Rules Part 4 sets out the safety equipment requirements for the
Class, both for inshore and offshore category races. It is the sole and
exclusive responsibility of each owner/skipper to decide whether or not to
start, or to continue to race, and that his yacht and crew are equal to the
conditions.
1.5 Insurance
Entries for all Class racing are accepted on the understanding that the
yacht has adequate insurance for third party liability for at least £250,000.
(Check Notice of Races and Race Instructions as required insurance may be more
than this.) It is the owner/skipper's responsibility to ensure that such
insurance is valid.
1.6 Scoring
Unless otherwise stated in Notice of Race or Race Instructions, the points
system shall be as follows:-
1.6.1 Inshore Championships
Scoring will be in accordance with the Low-Point System, RRS Appendix A2.2,
with the number of discards as follows:
| 4-7 Valid points races |
- 1 discard |
| 8-11 Valid points races |
- 2 discards |
| 12-15 Valid points races |
- 3 discards |
| 19-19 Valid points races |
- 4 discards |
| 20-23 Valid points races |
- 5 discards |
| over 23 races |
- 6 discards |
With the exception of the National Championships at which all races will
count
1.6.2 Offshore (Category 2 or 3)
See Offshore notes on page 18 of the handbook.
1.7 Scrubbing
No yacht may be hauled out or scrubbed during a Class series (see below).
This ban shall apply from the time of the start of the first race of the
Regatta or series, until after the last race in which the yacht takes part.
In special circumstances (e.g. damage below waterline), written permission
to haul out may be given by a member of the Technical Committee.
1.8 Class Series
For the purposes of these rules a Class Series is defined as one when there
are one or more races per day or when racing is scheduled for two or more
consecutive days. (e.g. Cowes Week The Championships three day event, or a
weekend Inshore or Offshore in the Points Series but not individual races in
the Spring or Winter Series or between weekends of the Points Series.)
1.9 Class Prizes
When prizes or trophies are to be awarded for a race and less than five
yachts compete, these will generally be awarded as follows:-
- One yacht racing - No prize
- Two yachts racing - 1st prize only
- Three and four yachts racing - 1st and 2nd prizes only
- Five or more yachts racing - Square root of of starters rounded up
(e.g. 5-9 starters; 3 prizes)
This does not affect the points which will be awarded as in 1.6 above.
1.10 Class Signals
Code flag G 
will
be the class signal and the code flag will be flown from the backstay when
racing. The signal flag to be a minimum 500mm fly 375mm hoist, a maximum 700mm
525mm hoist. CO sign must be on your mainsail in a position above sail
numbers. For size see 3.3 below.
1.11 Inspection & Class Certificates
All Contessa 32s entered for Class races must have a valid Class
Certificate. The only exception to 1.11 is the ISC Round the Island Race.
Entries will be accepted from Contessa 32s without a Class Certificate but all
Contessa 32's competing in the Class race must fully conform to Part 2 (Yacht
Specification) and Part 3 (Sail Specification). If they finish in the first
five they will be inspected and be required to comply with class sail
measurement rules.
1 ·11.1 Inspection
Please contact the Class Measurer who will arrange for inspection of your
Contessa 32. This inspection will cover all items in Part 2 (Yacht
Specification). Please check that your Contessa 32 conforms fully to these
rules.
Upon satisfactory completion of 1.11.1 the Class Measurer will issue a
Class Certificate which must be kept on board. This Certificate becomes
invalid if:
- There is any alteration to the items listed in Part 2 (Yacht
Specification). These must be notified to the Class Measurer so that a new
certificate can be issued after re-inspection if necessary.
- There is any change in ownership of the Contessa 32. The new owners must
apply for a new Certificate from the Class Measurer.
The result of a yacht without a Sail Certificate will be accepted provided
the yacht is measured within one week of completing such race.
1.12 Sail Measurement
Sails shall be limited in numbers and size as per Part 3 (Sail
Specification).
1.12.1 Sail Measurement
Any boat finishing in the first five in any race or series must obtain sail
measurement certificates for all sails carried aboard during that race, from
the RORC. These certificates must be obtained within 2 weeks of finishing the
race, or returning to UK, in the case of an offshore race.
You are therefore strongly recommended to obtain these certificates in
advance, as this period will be strictly adhered to.
1.12.2 Sail Measurement Procedure
- Sails shall be measured according to the current ISAF Sail Measurement
Rules.
- Certificates for sails made before 20th January 1986 will be issued by
the RORC (the National Authority) following measurement arranged
privately. It will be up to owners to negotiate terms for carrying out the
measurement. The owner should arrange for payment to the sail maker.
- Certificates for sails made after 20th January 1986 will be issued by
the RORC to the Class Measurer following measurement, stamping and
recording. Sail makers should be requested to arrange for these to be
issued. RORC make a charge of £10.00 inc. VAT per sail for the recording
service, which will be payable to the Class Measurer, who will then send
the certificates to the owner concerned.
- Such sails will be stamped, numbered, signed by the measurer and have
the dimensions and date of measurement clearly marked.
- Owners with No.2s or No.3s made prior to 20th January 1986, that have
a full length below the minimum specified in Section 3 Sail Specification
- may apply to the Class Measurer to have these sails designated and
marked "Old Sails" as long as their overall area does not exceed the
maximum specified in Section 3 - Sail Specification.
- These Sail Measurement Certificates shall become invalid if the sail
is re-cut or altered beyond Class limits. Such sails will have to be
re-measured and a new Certificate issued.
1.13 Register of Certificates
- A register is kept of all Class Certificates and Sail Measurement
Certificates. These must be valid and in order before the standard Channel
Handicap will be issued by RORC.
- Class certificates and sail certificates must be kept on board.
- The Technical Committee shall decide when any Class Rules have been
infringed. The Class reserves the right to inspect any yacht at any time
for this purpose. In addition the Class will from time to time inspect any
of the first five boats in any Class race. Penalty for infringement of
Class Rules is either disqualification from the race or from the series of
which the race forms part.
1.14 Electronics
The aim of the Class is prevent the use, or the interfacing to the yachts
standard instruments of further computer equipment designed to enhance the
yacht's performance whilst racing. Competitor's attention is drawn to
Rule 2.2 General, in PART 2 Yacht Specification.
1.15 Protests
Protests will conform to the race and sailing instructions issued by the
organising club.
1.16 Disclaimer
Entries for all Class events are accepted only on the understanding that
the Class Officers, Committee or its representatives bear no responsibility
for any loss, damage, injury or inconvenience to yachts or persons howsoever
arising directly or indirectly from their rules, policy or rulings for races
or any related activities.
1.17 Rule Changes
The Officers and Committee in pursuance of the objects of the Class reserve
the right to alter Class Rules at any time, such alterations to be notified to
all Class members in writing or in race instructions and any such alterations
to be ratified at the next Contessa 32 Annual General Meeting.
1.18 Data Protection Act 1984
Membership of the Class and acceptance of the Rules of the Class shall be
deemed to be approval and consent to the maintenance by the Class of personal
details about the Member on computer for the purposes of Class administration.
2.1. Purpose
The purpose of these rules is to ensure that yachts may level race, without
handicaps.
2.2 General
It is impossible to foresee every conceivable innovation which may be
thought of in the future and to mention every suggestion that has been ruled
illegal in the past. When considering anything in connection with the boat or
its sails or equipment which is not within established practice or
specifications, you must assume it is illegal, and must obtain a ruling from
the Technical Committee before attempting it.
2.3 Hull
The hull and decks shall be standard mouldings from J C Rogers or otherwise
approved by the Committee. A certificate of origin of moulding is required for
all new boats after 1st January 1977.
2.4 Accommodation
No change is allowed in layout, as specified by J C Rogers, (Ref. General
Arrangement Plan of Contessa 32, Drawing No. MC/32/001, dated 12.11.75) unless
the change is such as will not affect the performance in any way and has been
approved by the Technical Committee in writing.
The forecabin general arrangement installed on boats built prior to
12-11-75 which comprises a shelf fitted to the port and starboard side of the
hull instead of the locker attached to the deckhead is an acceptable
alternative.
2.5 Fittings
Any fittings, shackles, sail rings or other metal attachments manufactured
in Titanium or its alloys are expressly forbidden.
Water and fuel tanks shall be in designed positions. A minimum of two
batteries each not weighing less than l4kgs shall be under forward end of
quarter berth. Flush fitting sea-cocks are not permitted.
Cooker and fuel, cushions for all berths, flushing toilet and saloon
table must be carried. Cockpit gratings must be carried in designed positions.
An anchor of not less than 24Ibs and 5 fathoms of 5/16" chain attached is
to be carried in the foredeck anchor locker. Yachts without a deck locker must
carry the anchor and chain in the forecabin stored no less than six feet from
the forward side of the mast step.
Table tops shall be double flap, centre hinged type which when folded
completes the double cabin berth unit. Larger tables of similar weight and
design may be carried. Boats with pilot berths shall carry the designed table
for that layout.
Bunk cushions may be removed when racing between 31st October and 31st
March, and may remain off the boat for any races before or after these dates
which constitute part of a recognised Autumn or Spring Series.
2.6 Engine
Any inboard auxiliary engine may be used providing it is fitted in the
designed position beneath the bridge deck. The weight of the engine plus
gearbox must not be less than 250 lbs (113.4 kgs) , unless weight corrections
are carried. When an engine and gearbox weigh less than the required
weight this must be corrected by either:
- Fitting corrector weights to make up the differences. These shall
be fitted underneath the engine; or
- Permanently fitting a third battery of sufficient weight to make up the
difference. This battery to be fitted behind or alongside the
existing batteries; or
- Fitting two batteries of sufficient weight to make up the difference.
(Note: the minimum total battery weight is 61.73 lbs (28kg). See rule
2.5. The combined minimum engine / battery weight is 311.73 lbs
(141.4 kg). All engine and gearbox weights are without oil and water.)
The propeller shall be of minimum diameter 330mm. Maximum
width of blades must not be less than 75mm. Three bladed
feathering propellers are permitted, but two bladed propellers shall be solid
ones which neither feather nor fold.
The yacht must be capable of a speed of 5 knots under power only.
2.8 Spars and Rigging
The minimum section of spars shall be that previously supplied by J C
Rogers as standard. Spreaders shall not be of lesser section or width than
standard. Mast height must be standard, with boom gooseneck and spinnaker
track fitted in designed positions. (For the above ref. Kempsafe Drawing No.
5A271 dated 29.10.71). Spinnaker poles must not exceed 12.67 feet. Measurement
bands on the boom shall show maximum foot (E) of 10 feet.
Standing rigging shall be fitted permanently in designed locations. Grooved
forestay systems are permitted. (For penalty see 3.2 below). Hydraulic boom
vangs are not permitted. Rod rigging is not permitted.
Headsails shall be sheeted either directly to tracks which are in the
design locations, or via one block only attached direct to the second
stanchion base forward which is level with the aftermost window. (Ref. Key and
Deck Plan arranged by J C Rogers 12.4.76).
Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre or other similar materials must not be used in the
construction of Contessa spars with the exception of end fittings and pulleys.
The Genoa cars must only be adjusted and retained using a sprung pin and
hole. Any method of adjustment using a block and tackle is not allowed.
3.1 Sails
All sail materials used to construct Contessa 32 Class sails must be
classified in 1991 RORC CHS Low Tech Band. No battens are to be carried in
headsails. Sails are to be measured in accordance with the RORC method. Sails
shall be measured in a dry state and laid on a flat surface with just
sufficient tension to remove wrinkles if necessary with block and tackle
across the line of the measurement to be taken. Sails shall be limited in
numbers and sizes as follows:-
MAINSAIL
| Maximum measurement |
Feet |
Millimetres |
| xxxx |
|
|
| Luff |
32.00 |
9,756 |
| Foot |
10.00 |
3,049 |
| Leech |
34.00 |
10,336 |
| Headboard |
0.50 |
152 |
| Girth - 3/4 up Leach |
3.75 |
1,143 |
| Girth - 1/2 up Leach |
6.25 |
1,905 |
(Note: CO insignia required on both sides above numbers.)
BATTENS:
Maximum four. Length free. Outer point of the battens must be on
the leech. the distance from the back corner of the headboard, aft head
point, to the top of the edge of the highest batten pocket (measured down the
leech) must be at least 6.40 ft 1,950 mm.
Mainsail measured prior to 1st February 2002 may comply with the
following dimensions:
| Battens - Top |
2.00 ft |
610 mm |
| Middle x 2 |
2.83 ft |
864 mm |
| Bottom |
2.42 ft |
737 mm |
Note: the CO insignia is required on both sides above the numbers.
RORC Storm Trysail - Maximum area: 56 sq.ft.
SPINNAKERS
|
|
Large |
|
Small |
|
|
|
Feet |
Millimetres |
Feet |
Millimeters |
| xxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
| Luff/Leach |
- minimum |
36.5 |
11,128 |
34.5 |
10,515 |
|
- maximum |
37.5 |
11,433 |
35.5 |
10,819 |
| Width |
- minimum |
21.8 |
6,646 |
19.5 |
5,944 |
|
- maximum |
22.8 |
6,951 |
20.5 |
6,248 |
| Cloth Weight |
- minimum |
0.75oz U.S |
|
1.25oz U.S. |
|
HEADSAILS
|
No. 1 Genoa |
No. 2 Genoa |
No. 3 Genoa |
No. 4 Heavy Weather |
No. 5 Storm Jib |
| Feet |
|
|
|
|
|
| Luff - min |
36.5 |
35.0 |
32.0 |
- |
Max Area |
| Luff - max |
38.0 |
36.0 |
33.0 |
33.0 |
69 sq.ft. |
| L.P. - min |
18.0 |
16.5 |
14.0 |
- |
|
| L.P. - max |
19.0 |
18.0 |
15.0 |
10.5 |
|
| xx |
|
|
|
|
|
| Millimeters |
|
|
|
|
|
| Luff - min |
11,168 |
10,671 |
9,756 |
- |
See above. |
| Luff - max |
11,585 |
10,976 |
10,061 |
10,061 |
|
| L.P. - min |
5,488 |
5,030 |
4,268 |
- |
|
| L.P. - max |
6,793 |
5,488 |
4,573 |
3,201 |
|
| xx |
|
|
|
|
|
| Pre 1986 Sails |
|
|
|
|
|
| Luff - min |
- |
35.0 |
31.0 |
- |
- |
| Luff - max |
- |
36.0 |
33.0 |
- |
- |
| L.P. - min |
19.0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Area. - max |
- |
328.0 |
240.0 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:1.
- Grooved forestays: all L.P measurements to be reduced by twice the fore
and aft width of the foil.
- Battens: not permitted in headsails.
- Minimum cloth weight for sails made prior to l5th January 1993 3.8oz
U.S. (162 gsm)
- Minimum cloth weight for sails made after January 1993 as follows:
- Mainsail 7.0oz U.S. (300 gsm)
- No.1 Genoa 5.75oz U.S. (243 gsm)
- All other Genoas 6.5oz U.S. (275 gsm)
- Old sails: for designated old No.2 and No.3 Genoas, owners may apply to
the Technical Committee for dispensation where the luff is below the old
minimum providing the area is within the maximum and sails have not been
re-cut.
- Where a full roller forestay system is in use, the minimum luff
measurement of the No.1 Genoa may be reduced to 35 feet (10,671mm), but all
other sail measurement requirements shall be complied with.
3.2 Grooved Forestay
When a grooved forestay system is used, the L.P of the new headsails shall
be penalised by adding twice the fore and aft width of the foil when
calculating size, e.g. Maximum L.P. of No.l Genoa - l9ft (5,793mm) (2 x foil
width). Such penalty shall be marked on the Measurement Certificate.
3.3 Sail Numbers
Mainsail, spinnakers, No.l and No.2 Genoas must carry sail numbers on both
sides either RORC, CO or RYA. The mainsails must also carry the insignia CO on
both sides above the sail number. Minimum size of letters and numbers to ISAF
Rule 25.1 (e). Height 1.0ft. Width (excluding number 1 and letter I) 0.7ft.
Thickness 0.15ft ( 1.8").
3.4 Use of Sails
Headsails may only be used with the luff attached to the forestay by hanks
or in a groove. Only one headsail may be set at any one time except when in
the process of changing headsails. Only one spinnaker may be flown at any one
time except when in the process of changing spinnakers.
3.5 Number of Sails
Only one suit of sails may be used in a Class series (see 1.8 above). A
No.2 Genoa, No.3 Genoa and Storm Sail must be carried on board at all times
whilst racing. If a sail is torn beyond repair, it may be replaced by a
similar one, such replacement subject to approval by the Technical Committee.
(See 1.11.2 Class Certificate conditions).
Spare sails may be carried on board for a passage or cruising use, but
shall not be set when racing.
3.6 Offshore Rule
In races designated offshore by the Sailing Secretary:-
In addition to the suit of sails specified in 3.5 an additional spinnaker
(large or small) may be set subject always to rule 3.4. Spare sails may be
carried for subsequent cruises but shall not be set when racing. Headsails may
be set and sheeted as a spinnaker where either of the following conditions
apply:-
- In heavy weather when no other sail is set in the foretriangle and the
apparent wind is abaft the beam.
- When all spinnakers aboard have been damaged beyond repair during the
race and a jib so set may have either its tack or clew to the spinnaker
pole.
The Class races in accordance with the current Offshore Racing Council's
Regulations governing minimum equipment and accommodation standards.
The Class Rules specify a minimum standard of Category 4; and other
categories as designated in the relevant Racing Instructions together with any
special prescriptions applicable. (See
here
for details)
Our Inshore Series are normally raced under Category 4: Offshore is
normally Category 3. It is the responsibility of the owner/skipper to check
the Race Instructions. (N.B. See also 1.4 above).
Category 4 details are published in the Solent Yearbook. For Category 3 see
the RORC and JOG programmes.