Some boat owners, often parents new to sailing, easily fall under a misapprehension that any changes to a boat result in it not complying with class rules. But this is a mistaken interpretation.

Most necessary actions to maintain or repair a boat can be done to almost any boat controlled by a class rule. Knowing what the limits are though, the permissions, requires reading of the class rules in the least, and sometimes further reading is needed. Most international classes rely on World Sailing’s Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) and many classes issue interpretations to their rules.

There are no shortcuts to avoiding the risks of noncompliance with class rules, or the risk of damage that can stem from poorly maintained or repaired boats. You need to start by reading the rules.

A good example of this is in the International Formula 18 catamaran class rule C6.1 which permits modification, maintenance and repair. Notice how those terms in the rule are in bold. This means they’re defined terms in World Sailing’s ERS, C7.1, C7.2 and C7.3 respectively. By all means, do what you need to do to modify, maintain or repair your F18 catamaran, as clearly permitted by both sets of rules.

But it can get murky. An interesting example is the International Windsurfer class rules C6.3, C7.2, C8.2 and C9.3 which say, “Repairs may be carried out provided such repairs are made in such a way that the essential shape, characteristics or function of the original are not affected.” Whilst repairs are explicitly permitted, the word repair is not in bold, so it doesn’t necessarily rely on the definition under ERS C7.3. What does this mean for the owner who needs to perform repairs?

Fortunately there is provision for interpretation. World Sailing’s Regulation 10.12 explains the process used to interpret international class rules. Regulation 6.5.5.5(c) delegates this responsibility to the Equipment Rules Sub-Committee. National classes rely on the class association to perform interpretations. An example of this is the Australian National Sabot Council’s constitution clause 17 gives their Measuring Committee the responsibility to handle interpretations.

An excellent example of interpretations giving practical help to the owner of the boat who is simply trying to minimise gear breakage, is from the ILCA class, formerly known as the Laser. Through this process the ILCA Class publishes interpretations in its annual handbook which also includes their class rules. The 2023 Handbook has interpretations about repairs and maintenance which ultimately become part of the rule. Repairs and maintenance are then covered under ILCA class rule 26 for Repairs and Maintenance. Screws, bolts, nuts, washers and rivets, for example, can all be replaced. There is no need for the lower mast section to break unnecessarily if you can do some preventative repairs and maintenance.

A common issue is with the sanding of foils. According to Barry Johnson, World Sailing International Measurer, “most foils have a maximum and minimum thickness to which many, by not reading the Class Rule, will sand their centreboard and rudder to a point that it will not meet the minimum thickness.

“One of the issues sailors face is not knowing what a repair is and how something can be repaired, bearing in mind compliance. Some classes are very clear in their Class Rule whereas other are not.” 

Barry’s also advises, “read the Class Rule before undertaking any maintenance or repair. If still unsure, contact the class measurer or a technical person from another class.”

To read World Sailing’s Rules and Regulations, click here.
Australian Sailing’s information about class certification is here.

By Glen Stanaway