CLASS RULES CLARIFICATION

From IMCA Technical Advisor David Chivers - Following discussions that started at the World Championships in Florida and are continuing on spreader brackets and wedges under the mast foot and fairings over fittings, it would seem a good time to remind people of the basic class rule that they should apply to every idea they have

The International Melges 24 Class Rules are defined as “Closed Class”. If you look at section C.3.2 of the ISAF Equipment Rules of Sailing you will find this definition.

“CLOSED CLASS RULES: Class Rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited”

This is really very simple. If it does not say you can – you can’t! So therefore, there is nothing in the class rules that say you can put a wedge under the mast foot – so you can’t. There is nothing in the class rules that says you can adjust the spreaders – so you can’t. In fact on the latter point, there has always been a standard pattern for the spreader bar and under Class Rule F.2.2.2 :

Coring, drilling out, rebuilding, replacement of material, grinding or relocating standard equipment that improves moments of inertia or changes the standard shapes shall be prohibited.

The class has built itself around standard equipment and a small number of rules that permit practical alteration or addition. We need to be very careful that we do not allow an arms race in the class. This will drive away the Club and Corinthian sailors.

I know that people say the rules are too long. However, there is an International Standard Format, which we have to use. Although this means that there is repetition in each section, it also means that you do not have to cross-reference the sections. Everything you need will be in the one section on that item. Although this makes extra words it does also mean that you are not likely to miss an important rule.

It is also worth reminding people that rules can be changed (not the standard layout though). A proposal must be made through your National Class Association to the World Council at the AGM. If passed there, it is ratified by ISAF and will become a new class rule.

D. Chivers
Technical Advisor
Jan 2006