Skip to content

Pre-2022 Etchells Class Rules Tape Prohibited by Etchells OD Rules – Permission for Other Equipment

Tagged: ,

Viewing 4 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • #5128
      Matt
      Administrator
      Administrator

        This raises the possibility that stickers and other labels are not permitted by the rules. If so, the ubiquitous decals with signal flags and measurement stick-on labels are illegal. It may come down to whether these items fall under the meaning of “equipment.”

        But, how hard would it be to add a new rule, say C.7.3 Other Equipment, or maybe better add line items to D.10.1(b) to explicitly permit tape, non-skid, labels, and decals?

        Maybe tape, position indicating decals, signal flag decals, control labels, other markings need to be specifically permitted on each of the spars, as well.

      • #5403
        Bill Conners
        Participant

          Moderator – “Tape on standing rigging is clearly prohibited” – does this preclude taping clevis pin rings and/or retaining clips, to keep from tearing sails ? Can’t believe that wouldn’t be allowed… Bill C.

          • #5404
            Matt
            Administrator
            Administrator

              Moderator – “Tape on standing rigging is clearly prohibited” – does this preclude taping clevis pin rings and/or retaining clips, to keep from tearing sails ? Can’t believe that wouldn’t be allowed… Bill C

              I challenge you to find any rule that permits tape on standing rigging. If you try to say that tape on ring-dings is part of the standing rigging, you run afoul of rule F6.1 which says standing rigging may be made only from stainless steel or rope. So unless the tape is made from those materials, it is forbidden in standing rigging, at least as I read the rules. Maybe someone else knows better.
              Of course, my point is that the Class Rules should be modified to permit tape.

          • #6084
            Chris Morin
            Participant

              If you knew about this and have not protested the fleet, you’re at fault.

            • #6092
              Matt
              Administrator
              Administrator

                Well, you know about it now, and I have not seen your protest.

                Second of all, which rule obliges a boat to protest in this case?

                Thirdly, the central point is the class rules should be modified to accommodate the way most people sail these boats. Tape is being used by all boats around the world. It would be a simple matter to modify the class rules to permit tape, which is necessary due to the “closed” nature of the class rules.

              • #6159
                Matt
                Administrator
                Administrator

                  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.

              Viewing 4 reply threads
              • The forum ‘Pre-2022 Etchells Class Rules’ is closed to new topics and replies.

              Pre-2022 Etchells Class Rules Tape Prohibited by Etchells OD Rules – Permission for Other Equipment