Clarify Class Rule C.9.2(a)1 Rig – Fittings – Use; To what does this rule apply?

[MattAdministrator]

Here is the excerpt…

C.9 RIG
C.9.2 FITTINGS
(a) USE
(1) Fore and aft mast chocks may be fitted and used to hold the mast in position in the partners.

Now, seriously, what does that rule specify? Is that for the chocks in front and behind the mast? I think it is supposed to be defining the side chocks, otherwise side chocks at the partners are illegal, because they are not permitted any other place in the rules. Maybe this rule should be in the Hull section, especially if vertical side chocks attached to the mast are ruled in violation of the spirit of the class rules.

Maybe something like, “fixed mast chocks attached along the sides of the deck hole (mast partner) may be used to reduce the mast from moving sideways.” Maybe we need something added along the lines of: “These mast side chocks may not protrude above or below the molded deck (including the integrally molded partner). Optionally, they may be fastened to the deck by any means.”

Now, what about those side chocks that are attached to the side of the mast and have a tang that holds the deck down and effectively stiffens the deck? These are clever, but the deck stiffening tang part should be illegal (IMHO); these chocks violate the spirit of the one-design class rules: fittings should not stiffen or strengthen the “as-built” hull.

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