IRC has issued updated advice on whisker poles.

IRC have updated their advice relating to whisker poles for IRC 2021 to make it clearer. ‘Whisker pole’ is now a simple yes/no question. If this question is not answered and you previously declared 'spinnaker and/or whisker pole(s)' then your new rating will include a whisker pole.

The ERS definition of a whisker pole is: "A spar attached to the mast spar and connected to a headsail clew." A whisker pole may be used to set a headsail to windward (e.g., goose-winged), or to leeward (e.g., a 'reaching strut'). The same pole may be considered and declared a 'spinnaker pole' and/or a 'whisker pole' as it is defined by its use, i.e., to which sail it is connected.

If you make no declarations on these at the time of revalidation, either we will contact you again for the information which will hold up your application, or the certificate will be issued with defaults and an amendment fee will be incurred to correct it necessary.”

For the full advice go to https://ircrating.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IRC-2021-Reval-poles-SPL-advice.pdf
For more information on IRC go to https://www.sailingresources.org.au/ratingshome_2020/

By Glen Stanaway