TECHNICAL ADVISOR DAVID CHIVERS CLARIFIES SOME POINTS RELATING TO THE GREAT HULL FAIRING DEBATE

The question of fairing is often raised and a definition asked for. It is always difficult to be precise and
common sense must be applied. This is the reason that a measurer should always be involved.

The basic point of the rules is that there should be no reason to modify or alter in any way the factory produced profile
or content of any part of the boat in any plane.

Of course, boats will have wear and tear and minor scratches etc will appear. This is why the repair of superficial damage is allowed. However, superficial is just that. “Of or on the surface only, not going deep, without depth”. These
can all be repaired without the need to add or remove material around the repair or alter the shape.

If there is any question then a measurer should be consulted before the work is started. A boat that has been found
to have been modified in any way will have her certificate revoked and will no longer be a Melges 24.

It is possible to carefully remove old antifouling or barrier coat and re-apply or polish without altering any shape or
profile and this is again allowed. We can only repeat that the rules are clear and there should never be the need to
sand or apply filler to any area other than after a major repair. Boats advertised as having been faired should treated
with great caution.

Inevitably there will be occasions when a boat needs a major repair. If possible the repair should be done by people
experienced with Melges 24 and who will have access to replacement panels allowing a neat and functional repair. The repair will invalidate the measurement certificate (D.1.3) and a measurer should inspect the work before it starts
and then inspect and re-measure as necessary after it has been completed. Please ensure that this is done to avoid
problems at a latter date.

There is one area where the class is prepared to accept some work:

THE CENTRE SEAM.

Due to various production reasons, some boats have a more prominent centre seam on the hull than others. Whilst is
in no way affects performance we accept that some owners will feel happier with the difference removed. To this end it
is permissible to fair the centre seam not more than 30mm either side of the seam. This should be more than enough
area to blend the two halves of the hull fair.

If in doubt as to any point, in the first instance have the boat inspected by a measurer and then if necessary refer the
query onto the International Class.

The Melges 24 Class Rules related to the above subjects are: C.2.2.8. - D.1.3. - D.3.1.2. - D.3.1.3. - D.4.1.2. - D.4.1.3.
- D.5.1.2. - D.5.1.3. - D.7.1.- D.7.2. - D.7.4. - E.3.1.2. - E.3.1.3. - E.4.1.2. - E.4.1.3. - F.2.2.2. - F.2.2.3.