Under IRC rule 21.4, all sails used onboard a boat with an Endorsed IRC Certificate shall have a measurement sticker or stamp. This also requires the IRC dimensions and sail area to be noted on the sticker or stamp, if applicable.

The sticker or samp must be placed at the head of the sail, except for sails where the head may not easily be inspected (e.g. furling sails) in which case, the sticker or stamp may be placed at the clew. The measurement shall be carried out by an Australian Sailing approved measurer who has to date and sign the sticker or stamp.

This rule may be amended by Notice of Race or a Rule Authority.

Technical committees active at events will find this new rule very helpful. A quick glance at the sail will show that the boat owner has done the right thing by having an Australian Sailing approved measurer check the sail. Ultimately, all competitors will be more comfortable knowing that sails are being measured and checked.

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By Chris Zonca