Revision to Class Rules Governing Hiking

Since the introduction of the new IMCA Class Rule governing hiking class officials have been watching the new rule in action. As the rule was tried we found that it did not quite cover our needs so a new wording has been agreed with ISAF and is now in force.

The new rule wording is:

C.10.7 When hiking, the crews shall either sit in such a way that at least a part of the back of the thigh/buttocks is in contact with the deck or gunwale edge, kneel on the aft corner of the side deck or, stand with at least one foot on the cockpit floor.

The new wording is the result of studying many photos of Melges sailing to see the way in
which the boats are actually sailed by the majority of the class. To help everyone understand the requirements IMCA Technical Advisor David Chivers has created an ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE HIKING RULE showing examples of what is and isn't permitted.