CLASS TECHNICAL ADVISOR DAVID CHIVERS REPORTS ON A NEW FEW INTERESTING POINTS RAISED CLASS DURING REGISTRATION AT THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN TORBOLE

With around half of the entrants measured in so far registration is going well at the Europeans in Torbole.

One minor problem which has been identified is that a number of competitors have installed the proposed new mainsail halyard tensioning system. This new system is currently only a proposal and has not yet been ratified by the IMCA and ISAF. It is therefore is not legal until and unless the rule is passed by the IMCA AGM and ratified by ISAF for application from 1 March 2002. The IMCA welcomes proposed rule changes through the proper channels but competitors are reminded that until any proposed change becomes a formal class rule they must continue to present their boat to the current rules.

Some questions have arisen regarding size and positioning of advertising. Competitors are reminded that the dimensions and position of allowed advertising are proscribed by the Class Rules C.8. (LINK TO CLASS RULES PDF) and should be referred to when agreeing on-boat advertising with sponsors and prior to ordering decals, etc.

The IMCA has now established measurers with numbered stamps in all countries where Melges are sailed and therefore there should be no reason for any competitor to arrive at an event with unmeasured sails or sails without class labels.

Competitors are reminded that in class racing trim each boat must depart the dockside with the engine tank full and a separate container with at least 3ltrs of fuel. On the water checks will be made and any boat found to have insufficient fuel (allowing for the amount of motoring undertaken during that day) will be reported.

Already several crews have been advised that their hiking lines do not meet class rules. The top of the line including padding when pushed hard down must not be closer to the deck than 127mm. A length of shock cord shall be looped to the rear of the hiking lines from the stern pulpits to reduce slack in the hiking lines. Shock card may be used on shrouds, hiking lines and at deck level to help prevent the spinnaker becoming jammed.

There will be equipment checks throughout the regatta and all infringements will be reported to the International Jury for further action.