Rule 78

 

 

M 013 Q&A 2011-025
Published: 9 January 2012
Situation
The rulebook for an ISAF International Class includes a document called 'Rules of Conduct for
Conducting National and International Championship Regattas' with a list of rules for running
important regattas. This document includes a rule that says, 'A sustained wind variation of 20
degrees or more from the posted bearing during the first leg of a race shall result in that race to
be abandoned and re-sailed, or abandoned'.
Question 1
Can this rule be considered as a Class Rule?
Answer 1
No. The Definitions in the beginning of the ISAF Regulations make it clear that Class Rules are
defined in the Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS). The introduction to the ERS lists Class Rules as
limited to rules about equipment, namely the boat, including its equipment, and the personal
equipment, and ERS rule C2.1 defines Class Rules and confirms this limitation.
Question 2
When listed under Rules in the notice of race and sailing instructions, could this document be
considered as 'any other document that govern the event'? (See Definition Rules.)
Answer 2
Yes, provided it complies with the requirements of rule J1.1(3).