HomeRules Committee Decisions

Rules Committee Decisions

April 2021

Inquiry:

A sheeting arrangement for the blade headsail was proposed where one end of the jib sheet would be attached to the forward lower with the other end running through the clew grommet of the sail, through the sheet block on the deck-top track, and finally to a deck-top winch. This would provide a wider sheeting angle than is provided by the blade lead block tracks in the position that is currently proscribed in the rules.

Ruling:

The Rules Committee rules that rule II.7.E prohibits the proposed arrangement. Further research and on-the-water testing will be performed by Bud Brown and the Technical Committee to determine if the proscribed blade track location should be changed and what the optimal position is.

November 2021

Inquiry:

The Rules Committee received a suggestion that the 3-inch limit on backstay adjustment be removed as the inquiring skipper felt that this was necessary in order for the genoa furler to work properly in certain conditions. The skipper stated that he had a gross adjustment and a fine adjustment on the backstay and that only the fine adjustment was used while racing but that the gross adjustment, which permitted more than three inches of travel, was necessary both for the furler to work properly in certain conditions and to set the rig up properly based on the day’s weather.

Ruling:

The Rules Committee interpreted rule II.6.B to prohibit the adjustment of the backstay by more than 3 inches only when racing. When not racing, the backstay adjuster may be adjusted by more than 3 inches. This may be necessary to compensate for other adjustments such as changes in mast rake or to make attaching the backstay easier when stepping the mast. However, the backstay adjuster must be physically prevented from being adjusted by more than three inches during a race. It is the Rules Committee's understanding that the three-inch limit was originally instituted so that it was comparable to the turnbuckles that were originally used for backstay adjustment. Although most boats today, particularly those that race, have an adjustable backstay, three inches of travel have been shown adequate to produce the full range of desirable forestay tension on the Ensign. The Committee feels that allowing a larger range of adjustment is unnecessary and could present a safety hazard by overstressing the mast and rigging. However, assessing the desirability of a change would be a task for the Technical Committee.

In addition, the Rules Committee has interpreted the first sentence of rule II.6.B, which begins, "No adjustments to, nor any device which would facilitate the adjustment of, the standard rigging while racing except for..." to require adjustment limiters that are not practical to adjust during racing. For example, a stopper ball that would require unthreading the adjuster and untying a knot would not be practical to adjust during racing. On the other hand, having a gross adjuster and a fine tune adjuster, each of which simply require pulling and cleating a line to make an adjustment, is a system that "would facilitate the adjustment of" the backstay by more than three inches during racing, even if it is only used while not racing.

January 2022

Inquiry:

May a triangle of sailcloth be cut out of the tack of the genoa in order to be compatible with a roller furler while keeping the foot of the sail as close to the deck as possible?

Ruling:

This is legal as it would not affect the measurement process as specified in the rules.

February 2022

Inquiry:

Can a telescoping whisker pole be used as a spinnaker pole as long as it is not extended more than 7.5 feet?

Ruling:

The Rules Committee ruled that the intention of rule II.17 is to prohibit the spinnaker pole from being of variable length.

July 2022

Inquiry:

Are aluminum rudders legal?

Ruling:

No. Rule II.5.a prohibits them. This rule states, “No change in the dimensions, location, weight, shape or materials of the keel, rudder, hull, or spars from such dimensions, location, weight, shape and materials which are standard for the 1962 Ensign shall be permitted, except such changes as are incidental to the upkeep of such items.”

Inquiry:

Are composite rudders legal?

Ruling:

Although Rule II.5.c allows “fiberglassed (using cloth and resin)” rudders, it does not explicitly allow a fully composite rudder. However, the current composite rudder, as manufactured by Ensign Spars, was developed in conjunction with the ECA Technical Committee and with the blessing of the ECA. It has been manufactured and distributed in significant numbers. The Rules Committee believes that the ECA clearly intended for this rudder to be legal. Therefore, according to Rule 1 (interpretation) and the spirit of the rules, the Rules Committee finds this rudder to be legal. The Rules Committee recommends that language be added to rule II.5.c making this rudder explicitly legal.

October 2023

Inquiry:

Are logos allowed on spinnakers?

Ruling:

Logos and graphics on spinnakers are permitted as there no rules prohibiting them, but sail numbers are required per rule II.9.E.4:

Numerals of contrasting color on spinnakers are required and shall be 15" high located in the approximate center of the sail. The bottom of the numerals on one side of the sail shall be approximately 6" above the top of the numerals on the other side of the sail.

February 2024

Inquiry:

The rules state that “…the dimension from the aft side of the mast to the aft end of the boom or attachments to the boom must be maintained at 11’-6” maximum.” Does this include the bolt head holding the attachments (tangs)?

Ruling:

Yes, the rule includes all attachments, including the bolt head. One reason for the limitation is to lessen the risk of the boom breaking the backstay in a heavy-air gybe without the boom vang on. Therefore, all attachments are included.

Updated February 13, 2024

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