RESULTS: Proposed Rule Change: Spreader Adjusters

published 03/11/2024

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RESULTS OF CLASS VOTE

The voting period for the proposed rule change on spreader and spreader adjusters and closed. The proposed change passed with 67.2% of the vote. The following changes as a result of the vote change and to fix errata in the rules will now be sent to World Sailing for approval:

 

SPEADERS & SPREADER SOCKETS PROPOSAL TO AMEND RULES

The IGC, at the advice of the ODTC, are proposing a change to the IECA Class Rules as outlined below. This proposal will be put to a class vote.

Rationale
Class Rule F.3.6 permits spreaders that can swing.  This rule places limits on the maximum swing of the spreaders fore and aft.  Plan 3MKB-25G-1 shows swinging spreaders and the limits of that swing. 

Plan 3MKB-25G-1 details the spreader extrusions and the die to be used, to ensure they are strictly one design.  The spreader socket design is optional provided certain dimensions are met as is the means of attaching the spreader to the socket.

Class leadership believes that the class generally supports swinging spreaders and that sailors take care to achieve identical swing characteristics on both sides and change the limits of swing depending on expected sailing conditions.

Adjustable spreaders have been tacitly allowed by the class, but this is not codified into the Class Rules, leaving doubt and debate.  Without adjusters, some owners take several sets of spreaders to regattas and choose which spreader angle to use based on the weather forecast.  This request for a change to the rules is to codify what is and has been in use for many years and to permit adjustable spreaders and eliminate the need for multiple sets of spreaders.

Summary of Changes
The changes to be made to the class rules adopted in November 2022 are:

1. To permit a single, mechanical spreader swing adjuster (see example in photo below) on each spreader, providing that its design does not enable it to be adjusted without first removing the spreader from its socket.
2. To clarify certain dimensions and definitions.
3. To reduce the complexity of manufacturing and to correct the fabrication and attachment details shown on 3MKB-25G-1.

Proposed Class Rules Changes

         Add:

         F.3.5(b).6:       A single mechanism to adjust the forward and/or aft spreader swing fitted to each spreader.   

         F3.5(b).6(i):    No part of the adjustment mechanism shall extend beyond the end of the spreader socket.

         F3.5(b).6(ii):   The spreader swing shall be able to be adjusted only when the spreader is removed from the spreader socket.

         C 9.1(b)(3):     Spreader swing shall not be adjusted during an event. The Notice of Race may change C 9.1(b)(3).

         Amend:

          F.3.6 to reduce the weight used to measure swing of spreaders from 15 kg to 5 kg.

Approval Process

• The class has been notified of the proposed rule change on 19 December 2023 (Pacific Time).
• According to the constitution, voting begins eight weeks after notification and the electronic voting will open on 13 February 2024 for all IECA members with voting rights (details of who has a vote are in IECA Constitution clause 4 — please make sure your membership is current).
• The voting period will be open for 20 days. Votes will be accepted up until 4 March 2024. 
• Email comments on the proposal may be submitted to the class office for distribution on the website up until 14 days prior to the close of balloting.
• Following the class accepting these changes World Sailing (WS) must approve it.  We have consulted WS and incorporated their recommendations, they reserve the right to make amendments.  These will be semantic and not change the proposal. 

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