International Etchells Class Association
Class Rules changes now in effect
published 03/04/2015
The following rules changes were approved by ISAF to be effective immediately:
1- Current rule:
C.5 PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
C.5.1 FOR USE
(b) OPTIONAL
(1) Electronic or mechanical timing devices
(2) Magnetic compass
(3) Self contained digital compass – giving no more than direction, tacking prompt and timer
(4) Extra hand pumps
(5) Depth sounder not piercing the hull, to be used ONLY when permitted by a National Authority for races confined to boats of their own nationality
Amended Rule:
C.5 PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
C.5.1 FOR USE
(b) OPTIONAL
(1) Electronic or mechanical timing devices
(2) Magnetic compass
(3) Self contained digital compass – giving no more than direction, tacking prompt and timer
(4) Extra hand pumps and/or electric bilge pump system (pump, battery, wiring and switches) weighing no more than 6.0 kgs. in total, with the battery securely positioned in the port seat locker and easily removable.
(5) Depth sounder not piercing the hull, to be used ONLY when permitted by a National Authority for races confined to boats of their own nationality.
(6) Electronic video recording apparatus.
2 - Current Rule:
C.9.7 STANDING RIGGING
(b) USE
(1) Shrouds shall be adjusted, only by turnbuckles attached to chainplates above the deck.
(2) The fore and aft position of shrouds shall not be adjusted while racing.
(3) The forestay shall be adjusted only by a below deck turnbuckle attached to the stem fitting and shall not be adjusted while racing.
(4) While sailing downwind with the jib lowered on the deck, the mast may be steadyed by either:
(a) unfastening the headsail halyard from the sail, attaching to the tack fitting and re-tensioning the halyard, or,
(b) attaching a separate line from the headsail tack fitting to the head of sail or halyard and then re-tensioning the halyard
Amended Rule:
C.9.7 STANDING RIGGING
(b) USE
(1) Shrouds shall be adjusted, only by turnbuckles attached to chainplates above the deck.
(2) The fore and aft position of shrouds shall not be adjusted while racing.
(3) The forestay shall be adjusted only by a below deck turnbuckle attached to the stem fitting and shall not be adjusted while racing.
(4) While sailing downwind with the jib lowered on the deck, the mast may be steadyed by either:
(a) Unfastening the halyard from the headsail and attaching it to the tack fitting or to a separated deck eye located aft of the forestay and re-tensioning the halyard, or,
(b) attaching a separate line from the headsail tack fitting or from a separate deck eye located aft of the forestay to the head of sail or halyard and then re-tensioning the halyard
3 - Current Rule:
D.3 HULL SHELL
D.3.1 MATERIALS
(a) The hull shell shall be built from glass reinforced polyester resin.
Amended Rule:
D.3 HULL SHELL
D.3.1 MATERIALS
(a) The hull shell shall be built from glass reinforced polyester resin. The use of “S” glass is prohibited.
(b) Vinylester resin may be used for the fitting of the rudder skeg and the rudder post.
4 - Current Rule:
D.10 ASSEMBLED HULL
D.10.1 FITTINGS
(b) OPTIONAL
(14) One inspection hole in each buoyancy tank, provided that the watertight integrity of the buoyancy tank is maintained and covers are capable of resisting accidental dislodgement.
Amended Rule:
D.10 ASSEMBLED HULL
D.10.1 FITTINGS
(b) OPTIONAL
(14) One inspection hole in each buoyancy tank, provided that the watertight integrity of the buoyancy tank is maintained and covers are capable of resisting accidental dislodgement. Covers, including metal fasteners shall be fitted in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
5 - Current Rule:
G.3.3 CONSTRUCTION
(a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail or two ply sail where both layers are of equal weight cloth.
(b) The sail shall have 4 batten pockets in the leech. They shall be spaced equally +/-80 mm along the leech, measured to the upper edge of the batten. Battens may be permanently fixed or removable.
Amended Rule:
G.3.3 CONSTRUCTION
(a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail or two ply sail where both layers are of equal weight cloth.
(b) The sail shall have 4 batten pockets in the leech. They shall be spaced equally +/-80 mm along the leech, measured to the upper edge of the batten pocket. Battens may be permanently fixed or removable.
6 - Current Rule:
G.4 HEADSAIL
G.4.1 MATERIALS
G.4.2 CONSTRUCTION
(a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail or two ply sail where both layers are of equal weight cloth.
(b) The headsail shall have 3 batten pockets in the leech. They shall be positioned 40mm +/- 20 mm below the leech cross height points, measured to the upper edge of the batten at the leech. Battens may be permanently fixed or removable.
Amended Rule:
G.4 HEADSAIL
G.4.1 MATERIALS
G.4.2 CONSTRUCTION
(a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail or two ply sail where both layers are of equal weight cloth.
(b) The headsail shall have 3 batten pockets in the leech. They shall be positioned 40mm +/- 20 mm below the leech cross height points, measured to the upper edge of the batten pocket at the leech. Battens may be permanently fixed or removable.
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The updated, current class rules document can be downloaded here.