› Pre-2022 Etchells Class Rules › Tape Prohibited by Etchells OD Rules – Permission for Other Equipment › Reply To: Tape Prohibited by Etchells OD Rules – Permission for Other Equipment
In a slightly related matter, Appendix L to the RRS provides a template for sailing instructions that discusses what is allowed on boats provided by the race organizers to competitors. Paragraph 4.1(d) is especially illuminating in that the RRS provide language that relates to applying tape to boats.
4 BOATS
4.1 Boats will be provided for all competitors, who shall not modify
them or cause them to be modified in any way except that
(a) a compass may be tied or taped to the hull or spars;
(b) wind indicators, including yarn or thread, may be tied or taped
anywhere on the boat;
(c) hulls, centreboards and rudders may be cleaned, but only with
water;
(d) adhesive tape may be used anywhere above the water line; and
(e) all fittings or equipment designed to be adjusted may be
adjusted, provided that the class rules are complied with.
So, it seems a simple matter to add adhesive tape as optional equipment to the class rules. If we want the tape included in the weight (i.e., we don’t need to remove the tape to weigh the boat), then it needs to be listed throughout the rules in each section (hull, standing rigging, mast, etc.) and not be listed in the portable equipment section.