2009 AGM APPROVED RULE CHANGES – WHAT DIFFERENCE DO THEY MAKE?


Well, all the AGM resolutions were accepted, so what does it all mean?   In a nutshell, carry on as before, but here are a few explanatory notes.

Incorporation of new Hartley Wanderer (Wanderer HL)

 

bulletCentreboard and rudder.   GRP has been added to the permitted materials.   So if a replacement foil is needed in an older boat, a GRP one as supplied by Hartley Laminates can be used.
bulletRule 27, Hull Weight.   To allow for the internal underfloor buoyancy in the HL boats, the floorboards of earlier designs must now be left in place for weighing, and the minimum hull weight has been increased from 129 kg to 136 kg.   The difference (7 kg.) is the minimum weight of the floorboards in earlier designs.   The removable stern locker and side benches of the Wanderer HL are removed for weighing, and need not be fitted when racing.  

The other changes are mainly designed to include features of the Wanderer HL, such as underfloor buoyancy, transom flaps, bridle sheeting for the mainsail etc.  

The bridle sheeting method can be used for any boat, but don’t go trying to fit transom flaps to your Wanderer MD!   Each design must conform to it’s own plans and specifications.

Buoyancy Testing – Rule 36.

Mandatory testing has been dropped as impractical, but the revised rule makes it clear (36.7) that, once a boat has been delivered to her first owner, responsibility for buoyancy testing rests with the owner.   You are advised to carry out a buoyancy test on your boat at least every 3 years, and to do a buoyancy inspection every 12 months.   Details of how to carry out wet or dry buoyancy testing, and a buoyancy inspection are in the rules.   It is obviously good seamanlike practice, especially if cruising, to check your buoyancy at regular intervals.

Sail Measurement – Rule 5.6.

The rule has been simplified to fit in with actual practice.

Righting Lines – Rule 39.

The new rule makes it clear that these are allowed.   They are definitely good practice for capsize recovery, especially in boats with underfloor buoyancy  which tend to float higher in case of capsize.

The revised rules are on the website, and, for the time being at least, the new wording has been left in red so that it can easily be seen.   If anyone has any queries on the detail, please get in touch.

Gavin Barr

Technical Secretary, WCOA.

 

home ~ back ~ © Copyright ~ No Navigation?