Measurers Corner
(Version 1.1: Updated on 18 November, 2009)
The measurement procedure for the Contessa 32 Class is split into two clearly defined sections.
The Class Certificate shows that your Contessa 32 has been inspected by one of the Officers of the Class and it certifies that your yacht is a standard Contessa 32.
All items in Part 2 and Part 4 Category 4 of the Class rules are checked.
In particular, we take great care to make sure that yachts have two batteries installed, that the cockpit grating is carried, that the correct weight of anchor chain is carried and that the black bands, which limit the maximum dimensions of the sails, are in the right place. Spinnaker pole length is also checked.
When an engine has been replaced notification of such change should be sent to the measurer together with details of any correction weights or third battery fitted to comply with Class rule 2.6 .
Once a vessel has been inspected and meets all the requirements of Par12 and Part 4 Category 4, a Class Certificate showing the yacht's name, owners and sail number will be despatched by the Measurer. Your Contessa 32 is now eligible for the standard IRC Handicap.
Sail measurement procedure is described in Part 1, paragraph 1.12 of the current Class Rules.
Our Class rule 3.1, governing sailcloth, allows material that is not laminated, highly resonated (i.e. impregnated and not coated) or not conventionally woven Terylene/Dacron, Nylon or Cotton.
In practice the following cloths are allowed:
Contender:
Polyant:
Finish must be MT, FT or HMT (HTP is illegal),
Bainbridge:
North:
Hood:
Any owner or sail maker wishing to use a cloth not in the above list should check with me before building a new sail.
The certificate listing the dimensions of the sail is sent by the Sailmaker to the Measurer who will check and endorse it. The endorsed certificate if correct, will be sent to the owner.
I intend to do more spot checks on yachts racing during 2010. It is therefore advisable that you ensure sails and certificates are in order and that your yachts comply fully with the Class Rules, particularly the Category 4 requirements.
If any owner wishes to replace a damaged sail during an event he must first seek the permission of the Technical Committee.
A register of all Class Certificates and Sail Certificates is kept by the Class Measurer. The originals of these must be kept on board at all times whilst racing.
You may be asked to produce these certificates at any lime. If anybody has any queries they are welcome to contact me.
John McCann
Drake Cottage
Itchenor
Chichester P020 7DD
Tel: 01243 512 495