RS:X ISAF Pending Class Rule Changes

GeneraL

The following class rule changes have been approved by e-mail voting

Additions appear in green. Deletions appear in red

RULE	DETAILS OF PROPOSAL
A.2.1	DELETE: References to these Associations are not applicable until their formation REASON The International RS:X Class Association is now a fully constituted international class approved by ISAF and has established National Class Associations
A.5.1	Existing RULE Amendments to these class rules require the approval of the ISAF after adoption by a simple majority of the delegates’ vote in a general meeting of the IRSXCA. Only delegates ‘in good standing’ in accordance with the IRSXCA Constitution are eligible to vote. Until the establishment of the IRSXCA, rule changes as proposed by the interim class management team shall be approved by ISAF AMENDED RULE Amendments to these class rules require the approval of the ISAF after adoption by a simple majority of the delegates’ vote in a general meeting of the IRSXCA. Only delegates ‘in good standing’ in accordance with the IRSXCA Constitution are eligible to vote. REASON a) The IRSXCA has been established and so class rule changes should follow the normal procedure applicable to all ISAF Classes.
A.8.1	Existing RULE RS:X equipment shall be manufactured by Neil Pryde Ltd. or by other manufacturers appointed and licensed by NPL in consultation with the ISAF referred to as licensed manufacturers in these class rules AMENDED RULE RS:X equipment shall be manufactured by Neil Pryde Ltd (except as otherwise stated in these Class Rules) or by other manufacturers appointed and licensed by NPL in consultation with the ISAF referred to as licensed manufacturers in these Class Rules REASON a) The existing rule clashes other rules which allow equipment to be used which is by any manufacturer.
A.9.1 b)	Existing RULE A change of class rules that causes equipment in use to cease to be permitted except where the equipment may comply with the class rules in force at the time of its initial construction AMENDED RULE A change of class rules that causes equipment in use to cease to be permitted REASON a) The existing rule allows all RSX equipment to race in international regattas indefinitely because it only has to comply with the class rules in force at the time of its construction and not the current class rules b) The rule change will prevent this thus enabling the class to become a stricter one design class
A.9.1 c)	Existing RULE Does not exist NEW RULE NCAs who wish to permit RS:X equipment that complies with the class rules in force at the time of its construction, to compete in national regattas may do so. REASON a) This will enable MNAs to continue to permit equipment that is ineligible for international competition to be class legal for national regattas. b) Thus assisting them to develop national class racing at entry and youth levels at minimal cost c) And ensuring a used equipment market and thus the lowest cost at point of entry
B.4.1	Existing rule In accordance with the requirements of the event organising authority, crews shall present their hull, hull appendages, rig and sail as intended to be raced for Equipment inspection and shall not alter the number, size or type of any item of equipment with the exception of the number of footstraps which may be altered in accordance with section C.6.1 (b) of these rules after completing the inspection procedure. AMENDED RULE In accordance with the requirements of the event organising authority, crews shall present their equipment as intended to be raced for equipment inspection and shall not alter the number, size or type of any item of equipment after completing the inspection procedure. REASON a) To tighten the rule so that replacements may only be made with the approval of the equipment inspector
C.6.1 a)	EXISTING RULE Only one hull shall be used during an event, except when lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such replacements may be made only with the approval of the jury The jury shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing hull and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced hull. AMENDED RULE Only one hull shall be used during an event, except when lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such replacements may be made only with the approval of the equipment inspector. The equipment inspector shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing hull and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced hull. REASON a) The equipment inspector should be the first person to deal with an equipment question . b) If the crew is not satisfied with the equipment inspector’s decision he can then seek redress from the jury. c) This change will reduce the amount of time that the jury is involved with non essential work and allow them to concentrate on the real issues at hand
C.6.1 b)	EXISTING RULE A maximum of 9 and a minimum of 5 foot straps shall be fitted to the existing inserts using any stainless steel screw and washer. Foot straps shall be fitted with at least one screw and washer at each end. AMENDED RULE A maximum of 9 and a minimum of 5 foot straps either the original version (model GNPRSXFS) or the new design (model GNPRSXFSL) by a licensed manufacturer shall be fitted to the existing inserts using any stainless steel screw and the original rectangular washer. Foot straps shall be fitted with at least one screw and washer at each end. REASON a) This will allow the use of two different clearly defined Neil Pryde footstraps and thus increase the flexibility offered to crews to choose straps that suit their feet. b) This clarifies the rule and ensures that it is clear that only two specific NPL footstraps may be used c) The type of washer to be used is clearly defined. NPL have agreed to make these available as spare parts in their on line shop. d) This removes the temptation to experiment with different types of washers.
C.6.2 c)	EXISTING RULE The hull shall be weighed wet after a minimum of 10 minutes standing vertically on its aft edge. AMENDED RULE The hull may be weighed wet after a minimum of 10 minutes standing vertically on its aft edge. REASON a) To allow hulls to be weighed dry or wet
C.6.3 g)	EXISTING RULE The centreboard trailing edge protector may be replaced with a webbing retaining strap not less than 25mm wide and not less than 135mm long. The strap if used shall be fixed by a screw into an existing screw hole located each side of the centreboard slot. AMENDED RULE The centreboard trailing edge protector and associated screws may be replaced with a webbing retaining strap by any manufacturer not less than 25mm wide and not less than 135mm long and two screws. The strap if used shall be fixed by a screw into an existing screw hole located each side of the centreboard slot. REASON a) To allow the use of any webbing strap rather than one supplied by NPL b) This strap is not available as a spare part from NPL c) To ensure that crews can source a strap quickly and conveniently
C.6.3 h)	EXISTING RULE The hull may be rubbed down provided the manufacturers’ identification on the bottom of the board is not removed AMENDED RULE The surface of the underside of the hull and the rails may be lightly sanded or polished to remove small surface scratches. The manufacturers’ identification on the underside of the hull shall… remain clearly visible. REASON a) The amended rule clarifies which surfaces on the hull may be sanded b) And describes more clearly how the sanding shall take place and on what type of scratches which are not mentioned in the existing rule
C.6.3 i)	EXISTING RULE The centreboard hull gasket screw holes may be filled and faired. AMENDED RULE The gap between the centreboard hull gasket and the surface of the underside of the hull may be filled and faired. The centreboard hull gasket screw holes may be filled and faired. REASON a) The class sees this change as a good idea
	EXISTING RULE Only one centreboard and one fin shall be used during an event, except when lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such replacements may be made only with the approval of the jury. The jury shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing hull appendage and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced hull appendage. AMENDED RULE Only one centreboard and one fin shall be used during an event, except when lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such replacements may be made only with the approval of the equipment inspector. The equipment inspector shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing hull appendage and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced hull appendage. REASON a) The equipment inspector should be the first person to deal with an equipment question. b) If the crew is not satisfied with the equipment inspector’s decision he can then seek redress from the jury. c) This change will reduce the amount of time that the jury is involved with non essential work and allow them to concentrate on the real issues at hand
C.7.2 c)	EXISTING RULE Hull appendages may be rubbed down and polished providing that the essential shape of the Hull appendage is not affected. AMENDED RULE Hull appendages may be lightly sanded and polished to remove small surface scratches providing that the essential shape characteristics or function of the Hull appendage are not affected. The manufacturers’ identification shall remain clearly visible REASON a) how and why the hull appendage can be sanded is now more clearly defined as the provisions that apply b) NPL have been asked to apply an ‘all-over’ surface identification to the appendages to limit the extent of sanding possible. c) The Class recommends that this rule becomes effective on January 1^st 2009 to allow stock of the new appendages to become freely available in the market and for old foils to be replaced. However the rule should be approved now so that the grand-fathering period can begin as soon as possible
C.7.2 d)	EXISTING RULE A lubricant may be used within the centreboard cassette AMENDED RULE A lubricant by any manufacturer may be used within the centreboard cassette REASON a) To clarify that the lubricant need not be supplied by NPL
C.7.2 e)	EXISTING RULE The sides of the fin root may be sanded or shimmed to fit the box but filling or fairing material may not extend beyond the surface of the hull. AMENDED RULE The sides of the fin root may be sanded or shimmed to fit the box. The gap between the fin root and the hull surface may be filled and faired REASON a) To clarify the rule
C.7.2 f)	EXISTING RULE The centreboard or centreboard plates may be shimmed to fit the centreboard case, but shimming material may not extend down to the centreboard case gasket AMENDED RULE The centreboard or centreboard plates may be shimmed to fit the centreboard case. REASON a) The ‘centreboard case gasket’ does not exist within the current rules
C.8.1	EXISTING RULE Only one rig may be used during an event, except when an item has been lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such item may only be replaced with the same type of item and with the approval of the jury. The jury shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing item and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced item. AMENDED RULE Only one rig may be used during an event, except when an item has been lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such item may only be replaced with the same type of item and with the approval of the equipment inspector. The equipment inspector shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing item and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced item. REASON a) The equipment inspector should be the first person to deal with an equipment question. b) If the crew is not satisfied with the equipment inspector’s decision he can then seek redress from the jury. c) This change will reduce the amount of time that the jury is involved with non essential work and allow them to concentrate on the real issues at hand
C.8.2 d)	EXISTING RULE Any Uphaul of the crew’s choice may be fitted AMENDED RULE Any Uphaul by any manufacturer may be fitted REASON a) consistency
C.8.2 f)	EXISTING RULE An adjustable downhaul system having not more than an 8:1 mechanical advantage may be attached to the tail of the licensed manufacturer’s 4:1 downhaul unit AMENDED RULE An adjustable downhaul system by any manufacturer having not more than an 8:1 mechanical advantage may be attached to the tail of the licensed manufacturer’s 4:1 downhaul unit REASON a) NPL do not manufacture an adjustable downhaul system. This will reduce costs to the crew b) consistency
C.8.2 g)	EXISTING RULE Any adjustable outhaul system as supplied by the manufacturer shall be used. Blocks may be fitted to the clew of the mainsail. AMENDED RULE Any adjustable outhaul system by any manufacturer may be used. Blocks by any manufacturer may be fitted to the clew of the sail. REASON a) NPL do not manufacture a an adjustable outhaul system. This will reduce costs to the crew b) Consistency
C.8.2 i)	EXISTING RULE Harness lines of the crew’s choice may be used. AMENDED RULE Harness lines by any manufacturer may be used. REASON a) consistency
C.8.2 j)	EXISTING RULE A Lubricant may be used on the Outhaul and Downhaul AMENDED RULE A Lubricant by any manufacturer may be used on the Outhaul and Downhaul systems. REASON a) consistency
C.8.2 k)	EXISTING RULE Cleats and pulleys may be replaced by others of the crew’s choice of equivalent size and type. All ropes may be replaced . AMENDED RULE Cleats and pulleys may be replaced by others by any manufacturer of equivalent size and type. Ropes may be replaced by those of any manufacturer. REASON a) consistency
C.9.1 b)	EXISTING RULE Only one sail may be used during an event, except when a sail has been lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such replacement may be made only with a sail of the same size and with the approval of the jury. The jury shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing sail and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced sail. AMENDED RULE Only one sail may be used during an event, except when a sail has been lost or unintentionally damaged beyond repair. Such replacement may be made only with a sail of the same size and with the approval of the equipment inspector. The equipment inspector shall then cause to have an event limitation mark attached to the replacing sail and to have removed or defaced any event limitation mark attached to the replaced sail. REASON c) The equipment inspector should be the first person to deal with an equipment question. d) If the crew is not satisfied with the equipment inspector’s decision he can then seek redress from the jury. c) This change will reduce the amount of time that the jury is involved with non essential work and allow them to concentrate on the real issues at hand
C.9.1 c)	EXISTING RULE Battens one to seven, as supplied, shall be placed in their corresponding batten pocket, batten one nearest the head. Camber inducers, as supplied, shall be used in pockets 5 and 6. Only one set of battens and camber inducers shall be used during an event. AMENDED RULE Battens one to seven by a licenced manufacturer, shall be placed in their corresponding batten pocket, batten one nearest the head. Camber inducers, by by a licenced manufacturer shall be used in pockets 5 and 6. REASON a) consistency b) It is not normal procedure for an equipment inspector to put an event mark on every single batten, camber inducer and spacer having inspected them
C.9.2 a)	EXISTING RULE The national letters and sail number shall be black in colour and applied “back to back” on an opaque white background to the sail immediately above batten 4 and as close to the leech as possible. The opaque background shall extend a minimum of 40 mm beyond the national letters and sail number. In all other respects they shall comply with RRS Appendix G 1.2 for craft less than 3.5 m in length AMENDED RULE The national letters and sail number shall be black in colour and applied “back to back” on an opaque white background to the sail immediately above batten 4 and as close to the leech as possible. The opaque background shall extend a minimum of 30 mm beyond the national letters and sail number. In all other respects they shall comply with RRS Appendix G 1.2 for craft less than 3.5 m in length REASON a) To reduce the overall size of the sail number panel so that it can be closer to the leech on 8.5m sails
C.9.3 c)	EXISTING RULE Transparent self-adhesive mono-film patches may be attached to the sail adjacent to the boom spar. AMENDED RULE Transparent self-adhesive mono-film chafing patches by any manufacturer may be attached to the sail adjacent to the boom spar. REASON a) NPL do not supply transparent self-adhesive monofilm chafing patches b)<