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Following the finalization of the ISO-12215-9 small craft construction standard for scantlings earlier this year, urgent steps are now being taken by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Working Group responsible for structures to complete the further part of the standard dealing with the all important keel and rig attachment.

Over recent years, a number of small sailing vessels have lost their keels at sea; tragically occasionally involving loss of life. As a direct result, the European Boating Association (EBA), supported by the ISAF and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Technical Department, have committed their organizations to ensuring that keel attachment and hence the finalization of ISO-12215-9, the new part of the standard, are seen as extremely high priorities.

A 'keel structures validation' sub-group of ISO is headed up by Robin LOSCOMBE, in close collaboration with the convenor of the group, Gregoire DOLTO from France. A number of leading yacht designers and yacht structural engineers have agreed to assist with this project and financial support is being provided by the EBA and ISAF. The work will concentrate of evaluating keel support structure and the aim is to bring about a crucial industry standard to eliminate as far as possible structural weaknesses at either new build or subsequent refit for performance or rating optimisation.

ISAF Safety Microsite - www.sailing.org/safety
ISAF Offshore microsite - www.sailing.org/offshore