I notice that the new set of ISAF rules will come into effect.  Does anybody know what the main changes are for the next few years?

On another note, if YOU could make up three rules for racing, what would they be?

Mine would be

1. Ban compasses that tell you when to tack.
2. Allow unlimited pumping and rocking in stronger winds - al la 470
3. Restrict the number of new classes to 1-2 a year per manufacturer

Thoughts?

wow that now that is  good idea!!!!

em one of the main rule changes is the trapeze harness rule that has already been debated!!!i hate that rule!! already

Why not ban new classes and make  manufacturers build to the rules of the  classes we already have?

That way there isn't an explosion of new classes, and the manufacturers compete to make the best (value for money and performance) versions of the current boats.

Yes, yes, I know. Pigs, flying, hell, freezing over and all that. But it's nearly christmas, and a girl can dream...

That sounds interesting, i'd like to see a laser built scorpion or an RS flying dutchman.  Built with modern techniques and materials and updated rigs, could be good.

Come on guys, what rules would YOU want to see?

i dont think restriciting it to 1-2 new classes is a good idea. They should say the introduction of the new class should be voted on or something- so 1 year there could be 12 new classes and none for the next five years!? This would mean only the more worthwhile classes would be accepted. Though how would you determine an uneccessary class?

The article in Y&Y contained a major error - contrary to what was stated rule 18 does apply at a windward mark. There is an exception to this rule - when boats are on opposite tacks!

One can only hope that this blunder was due to some over-enthusiastic sub-editing. However there seems to be a wide-spread misconception concerning the application of this rule - which is simple if explained logically

Gordon

Rule 18 applies when boats are about to round or pass a mark they are required to leave on the same side, or an obstruction on the same side, until they have passed it. However, it does not apply (a) at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor line from the time the boats are approaching them to start until they have passed them, or (b) while the boats are on opposite tacks, either on a beat to windward or when the proper course for one of them, but not both, to round or pass the mark or obstruction is to tack.

In other words, if 2 boats are approaching a windward mark on the same tack, rule 18 will apply even if both boats have to tack to round the buoy.

Typical situation, 2 or more overlapped boats approach the windward mark (to be left to port) on port tack. The boat(s) overlapped on the outside must give room to the windward inside boat to round the mark, including room to bear away if windward boat has overstood and room to tack.

Remember this rule also applies at an obstruction, which may be a right of way boat. If our two boats overlapped on port are required to give way to a starboard tack boat the outside boat must give room to the inside boat to clear the right of way boat.

Hope this is clear, if not don't hesitate to ask for more detail.

Gordon

On my wish list for the rules:

An unambiguous Case in the Case Book clearly indicating that bullying, including use of bad language, on the water or after the race is a clear infringement of Rule 2, and, in particular, that when any adult using bullying to gain an advantage over juniors there should automatically be action taken under rule 69.

I have to often seen boats arriving at a congested mark rounding and forcing their way through the ruck by an over zealous use of f-ing and blinding, sometimes insulting other competitors... this should not be a feature of our sport especially when we are trying to encourage more ladies and youngsters into sailing

A hail of "Water" followed by the boat number of the boat involved should be enough... if not the next words should not be *!§&*!... but simply "Protest".

The only permissible swearing on boars a boat is when the crew is expressing their opinion of the source of all error's(aka the helmsman) ability!

Gordon

and then that will change back again next time and so on....

i wonder why no-one can remember what the rules are....