At the ISAF Annual Conference some changes to the current Offshore Special Regulations were made.
The ISAF offshore special regulations (www.sailing.org/specialregs) are used by race organisers to provide uniform minimum equipment, accommodation and training standards for monohull and multihull yachts racing offshore. A number of changes made at the annual conference affect the current 2008 - 2009 edition of the regulations. An amendment sheet containing all the changes can be viewed at the following link click here. It should be noted that national prescriptions may take priority over the ISAF text and you should check with your relevant authority.
A brief summary of significant changes:
3.03 Hull Construction Standards (Scantlings)
Effective 1 June 2009, newly built yachts less than 24m in categories 0,1,2 shall been designed and built in accordance with the requirements of ISO 12215 Category A. They shall have on board a certificate of building plan review from a notified body recognized by ISAF and a declaration signed and dated by the builder to confirm the yacht is built in accordance with the plans reviewed by the Notified Body. More news will follow soon regarding the Notified Bodies recognised by ISAF.
3.08 Hatches and Companionways
Effective 1 January 2009, hatches in the sides of a coachroof which open inwards to the interior are now permitted providing they are clearly labelled: "Not to be opened at sea"
The design of the companionway sill may extend below the local sheerline if the design is in compliance with ISO 11812 Design Category A.
4.05 Fire Extinguishers
Effective 1 January 2009 - for Categories 1,2,3 the minimum weight of Fire Extinguishers shall be 2kg, which shall be dry powder.
Appendix K - Moveable and Variable Ballast
Effective 1 January 2009
Amendments affecting deck and other enclosed volume above the sheerline and cockpit volume, mast volume and sail area.
Effective 2010:
3.29 - AIS Transponder
Effective 1 January 2010
An AIS Transponder will be required for Category 1,2
4.26 - Storm and Heavy Weather Sails
Effective 1 January 2010
The maximum size of a storm trysail is reduced to 12% mainsail luff length x mainsail foot length.
The maximum size of a storm jib is reduced to 3.5% of the foretriangle squared, with the luff maximum length 50% height of the foretriangle.
Other amendments incorporating previous interpretations and house-keeping amendments are detailed in the amendment sheet.
For a full report on the changes to the offshore special regulations the minutes of the meeting from the ISAF November Conference can be viewed at the following link
click here.