PART 2 - YACHT SPECIFICATION

2.1. Purpose

The purpose of these rules is to ensure that yachts may level race, without handicaps.

2.2 General

The basis of the rules is that yachts shall be as defined on the various drawings of hull, deck, interior and rig specified herein. Allowed exceptions to the drawings are specified in the rules.  If any particular item or aspect of the yacht is  not specified in these rules or shown on the drawings, the owner/skipper shall assume that it is not permitted unless expressly allowed by the Technical Committee. The specific drawings are:

 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 yacht or its sails or equipment which is not within established practice or specifications, the owner/skipper 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 the original J C Rogers moulds  or otherwise approved by the Technical Committee. A certificate of origin of moulding is required for all new boats after 1January 1977. Subject to approval of the Technical Committee for each yacht, additional stiffening ribs and stringers are allowed.

2.4 Accommodation

No change is allowed in layout, as specified on the relevant drawings unless the change is such as will not affect the performance in any way and has been approved by the Technical Committee in writing.

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 14kgs each shall be under forward end of quarter berth. Flush fitting sea-cocks are not permitted.

Cooker & fuel, cushions for all berths, flushing toilet and saloon table must be carried. Cockpit gratings must be carried in designed positions 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 31 October and 31 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.

An anchor of not less than 24lbs 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.

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 shall be as specified in Clause 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.

2.7 Propeller

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 mast and rig shall be in accordance with the relevant drawings.

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. The centre line of the gooseneck shall be 9.17 feet (2,795mm) above the mast butt.

Black bands shall be on mast and boom in the designated places. Measurement bands on the boom shall show maximum foot (E) of 10 feet (3048mm) and on the mast at the gooseneck and 32 feet (9,755 mm) above this point.

Spinnaker tracks on the mast may extend to deck level and can be adjustable by a continuous adjustment system. Alternative fittings on the spinnaker track to the Lewmar Cups shown on the drawings are permitted. Spinnaker poles must not exceed 12.67 feet (3868mm).

If upgrading Primary genoa sheet winches the new winch should be in the designed position and should not overlap the cockpit coaming.

Standing rigging shall be fitted permanently in designed locations and are permitted of larger diameter than shown on the drawings. Grooved forestay systems are permitted. (For penalty Clause 3.2 below). Hydraulic boom vangs are not permitted but boom struts are allowed. Rod rigging is not permitted. Dieform rigging is permitted. Backstay adjustment systems may be hydraulic, cascade, boomerang, ratchet or threaded wheel type.

For running rigging, Dyneema halyards are allowed. Mainsheet systems may be upgraded to 6:1 purchase with additional fine adjustment. Halyards and other control lines may be lead aft from the mast to the cockpit and a deck ring fitted around the mast with deck organisers. Slab reefing with an associated reefing winch fitted on the mast may be adopted. 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. Dyneema sheets are allowed.

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. Longer genoa tracks may be fitted but they must be along the same line as indicated on the drawing.