Upgraded A Class Rules: “How will I need to change my boat?”

Upgraded A Class Rules: “How will I need to change my boat?”

Which rules apply?

  • Hull and hull appendages may comply with the class rules in force at the time it was first certified, when it was last certified, or with the current class rules
  • Rig shall comply with the class rules in force at the time it was first certified or with the current class rules
  • Sails may comply with the class rules in force at the time they were certified, or with the current class rules

Changes required to an existing boat?

  • Owner’s flag shall be flown when racing
  • It is possible some main booms will not comply with the current class rules – but it is highly likely that any such booms do not comply with the previous class rules either
  • Requirement for aft head point to be no more than 25 mm from aft side of mast is removed – most sails become compliant for first time

Changes to the way a new boat is measured?

  • Boat flotation is carried out without the sails and a standardised 100g mass to replace them and in a defined measurement trim
  • Waterline ending may be at or inside the waterline ending limit marks
  • The B and J dimensions of the sails shall be marked on the sail tack

Changes to the way a new boat may be made?

  • A deck datum point shall be ‘permanently’ marked on the deck aft of the mast
  • Recesses in the deck for handle, mast, luff spar, access to rc equipment are permitted
  • Mainsail luff perpendicular is restricted to B dimension – band on boom no longer used
  • Construction of the head of a double luff mainsail is simplified

New prohibitions?

  • Variable geometry of the hull
  • Mainsails with luff length below 1390 mm
  • Reefing of sails
  • A rig without a mainsail
  • Automated control of rig/sails
  • Automated steering
  • On board cameras
  • Use of pictures while racing
  • Spinnaker and genoa

Terms used here

  • Current class rules – the rules being proposed
  • Previous class rules – the rules prior to the ones being proposed
IRSA