REASON FOR DRAFTING RULES:

The intentions of the formulation of these rules are:

• to allow the amateur builder to construct yachts for friendly competition without disadvantage.
• to encourage the restoration of older boats to allow them to compete on an equal footing.
• with the resurgence in the class there is a need to reduce the possibility of any future conflict.
• a desire to ensure the boats do not become unnecessarily expensive.
• to provide a degree of uniformity in the class.
• to retain the traditional flavour of the class.
• to encourage wide participation in class events

• AND ... above all else to retain the emphasis on having a good time.

To retain the traditional nature of the class and that anything not specifically covered by these rules should be measured against this principle.

The reference resource for the class will be the Spencer plans of 1960 (as available through the Association) except where specifically covered by these rules.
 
 

Any yacht not conforming to these rules may still be eligible to compete in the class provided that the committee is satisfied and agrees (by a 75% majority) that:

• the variation on the measurement is within the spirit of the rules
• the variation does not produce a significant speed advantage
• the variation does not appear to be a deliberate attempt to exploit any loophole

Sails:

• One mainsail, headsail and spinnaker may be used per contest. Sails may be substituted for reasons of damage only at the discretion of the Officer of the Day.
• Sails must have the same weight of fabric throughout except within two feet of any corner of the sail where the weights may vary for the purpose of reinforcing patching. Normal tabling, batten pockets, reefs etc are excepted.
• Sails cannot contain mylar, kevlar or other exotic sail fabrics.
• Headsails may be either as per plan or a headsail that complies with the dimensions of the 470 class rules.
• Spinnakers may be double luffed or single luffed and must have a perimeter measurement of not more than 38 feet 9 inches.
• All sail measurement should be done in accordance with the International Yacht Racing Rules on sail measurement.
• Mainsails cannot be loose footed and the drop measurement and roach measurements as per plan no longer apply.
• The mainsail bottom batten pocket must be no longer than the foot of the sail less 6 inches.
• The mainsail headboard angle must not exceed 70 degrees from the vertical.

• Spars may be either aluminium or wood and must be of New Zealand manufacture.
• Deck stepped masts are permitted with the appropriate adjustments to any affected measurements.
• Configuration of the standing rigging is optional but must not use rod or exotic fibre rigging. Hounds height must comply with the plans.
• Spinnaker sheave may not be more than 16 feet from the base of the mast.
• Standing rigging may not be adjusted while racing.

• Centreboard must fit within a rectangle of 4 feet 9 inches by 18 inches and may not have any notch or cutaway in the trailing edge where it allows the immersed part of the centreboard to be further alt than would have been the case had the trailing edge been straight.
• Rudders must fit within a rectangle of 3 feet 9 inches by 17 inches.
• The pivot point (ie gudgeons) of the rudder must be within 2 inches of the transom.
• Maximum thickness of the centreboard and rudder is 7/8ths of an inch.

• Frames bulkheads and floors in addition to the plans are permitted however the construction plan members are all required and are a minimum.
• Frames and bulkheads may be constructed in solid plywood.
• Concentration of weight in the hull by any means other than weight correctors is not permitted.
• Weight correctors must be fixed to the main bulkhead within 6 inches of the deck and be visible for inspection.
• Weight correctors can only be altered on re-measurement.
• No false floors are permitted.
• Apertures in the transom may not exceed 12 square inches.

• Boom vangs are permitted with a maximum purchase system of three-to-one and must be cleated off on the block on the plane between the boom and the mast. Compasses and other navigational aids are not permitted.

• Crew number shall be a minimum of two.
• One crew member only may wear and use a trapeze harness while racing.
• No kevlar, carbon fibre, titanium or other exotic materials are allowed anywhere on the yachts excepting sheets and halyards.
• All new sails and new or substantially rebuilt boats constructed or rebuilt alter 1 August 1992 must be fully measured.

(This copy of the rules was re-scanned from the original typed copy and is held as a file called IA Rules 1994.rtf.

This version has been reformatted slightly and minor spelling corrections made. The original was on 3 numbered pages. KS 6Aug1999).
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