Section Table of Contents
I - Hull
II - Deck
III - Cockpit
IV - Winches
V - Mast
VI - Boom
VII - Backstay/Boomvang/Outhaul Adjustments
VIII - Control Line Specifications
IX - Mandatory Equipment
X - Optional Equipment
Hulls of all Registered Yachts shall have the following dimensions and weights:
Length overall | 30 feet, 2-1/2 inches |
Waterline length | 20 feet |
Beam | 6 feet, 5-1/4 inches |
Draft | 4 feet, 9 inches |
Displacement | 4,600 lbs. (excluding sails, spars, rigging) |
Keel | 3,080 lbs. |
The following tolerances shall be allowed:
No alterations of any kind shall be made to the hull, deck, keel or rudder except as permitted herein. This prohibition includes alterations to the leading edge of the keel, the rudder fairing strips and the after edge of the rudder.
(See Specifications 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 3.1)
The procedure to measure a Shields rudder's shape is as follows:
Step 1 | Stretch a string along the after edge of the rudder post, top to bottom |
Step 2 | Starting at the top of the rudder measure down along the string and mark the string every fifteen inches (15") for three stations |
Step 3 | At the top of the mark measure perpendicular to the mark (90 degrees to the string) a distance of 10-9/16 inches and mark - Reference point 1 |
Step 4 | At the middle mark measure perpendicular to the mark (90 degrees to the string) a distance of 12-3/4 inches and mark - Reference point 2 |
Step 5 | At the bottom mark measure perpendicular to the mark (90 degrees to the string) a distance of 9-7/8 inches and mark - Reference point 3 |
Step 6 | At each of the marks established in Steps 3 - 5 measure the thickness of the rudder: |
The thickness at each point shall be: | No More Than | No Less Than |
Reference point 1 | .53" | .48" |
Reference point 2 | .57" | .51" |
Reference point 3 | .47" | .42" |
From these reference marks to the trailing edge of the rudder, the rudder shall, in cross section, be neither a square nor the corner of a triangle. The rudder shall be fair with no hollows both between the reference points and from the reference points forward to the forward edge of the rudder. (See Specification 1.2 and 1.5)
The rudder fairing strips shall be made of bronze, plastic, or fiberglass. The fore and aft (true width) of the strips shall not exceed 1-1/2 inches.
Perforations through the hull or deadwood to allow for drainage when the boat is out of the water are permitted. One through-hull perforation above the waterline is permitted for the exhaust of a bilge pump. (See Specification 10.1)
Perforations in the fore and aft bulkheads are permitted. Such perforations shall be made watertight while racing. One or two small holes not to exceed 3/8 inch in diameter may be drilled as close as possible to the top of the aft bulkhead to accommodate lines for trimming the backstay. (See Specifications 7.2, 10.1)
While racing, fore and aft bulkhead hatches shall be in place. When in place, fore and aft bulkhead hatches shall be fully seated and secured against gaskets of soft rubber or its equivalent. Hasps of other devices may be replaced or altered to hold hatches in place more securely.
Addition of stiffening stringers forward of the forward bulkhead and aft of the after bulkhead is permitted.
Anti-fouling paint shall be used on the bottom at all times.
No ballast or dead weight shall be carried in the bilge. Normal gear and equipment may be carried therein.
A wooden king post located between the mast partners and the forward edge of the cockpit is required. Further deck supports are permitted. The type of support(s) and their location is optional. This Specification is the basis for a tie-rod system and/or glass reinforcement in the area of the partners.
The chainplates may be either L-shaped or inverted T-shaped. Alteration of L-shaped chainplates in accordance with Chris Craft's recommendation, dated April 1968, is permitted.
The toe rail shall be in place, be made of wood and be nominally minimum 5/8 inch by 3/4 inch in any orientation as to height and width with allowances made for maintenance and age. Scupper holes may be used to facilitate deck drainage.
A console made of wood or metal may be located between the mast and the forward edge of the cockpit coaming. It may be used as a base for a compass or as a base for cleats and blocks to assist in trimming the mainsail downhaul, Cunningham, spinnaker foreguy, topping lift, boomvang, jib sheets, fraculator or a combination of these. (See Specifications 7.3, 8.13, 8.14, 8.21, 8.24, 9.6, 10.4, 10.5, and Section V-5.3)
A rubrail is optional. The rubrail is defined as the layer of rubber, wood, or plastic material between the toe rail and the deck. (See Specification 2.4)
Perforations through the deck, between the bulkheads only, for the purpose of mounting equipment or leading control lines are permitted. One through-deck perforation in an air tank for the exhaust of a bilge pump is permitted. (See Specifications 7.2, 8.5, 8.16, 10.1, 10.5)
A sheave to turn the backstay pennant is permitted. Sheave must be gasketed to be as watertight as practical. (See Specifications 7.2)
A bow chock of the original factory design with mooring line groove is required. The bow chock is part of the hull.
Additions within the cockpit for comfort or convenience such as cabinets, racks and steps are permitted.
Two seats are required. They shall consist of no less than 6 slats, 1/2 inch thick, 1-1/2 inches wide and at least 50 inches long. Folding seats are permitted.
No hiking straps or other device shall be rigged by any member of the crew for the purpose of supporting his weight outboard of the sheerline. (See Section III - 5.3 "Basic Rules")
Floorboards shall be neither altered nor removed for racing.
There shall be a wood cockpit coaming in place encircling the cockpit with a thickness of no less than 1/2 inch. The port and starboard coaming shall be no less than five (5) inches in height and projecting a minimum of two (2) inches above the deck. The aft coaming shall project a minimum of three-quaters (3/4) inch above the deck. The cockpit coaming may be strengthened by the addition of wood blocks or other materials.
Winches shall not be geared or be of the reel type. The maximum diameter of the rope-bearing portion of any winch drum shall be 3 inches.
There shall be at least two and not more than three halyard winches. Halyard winches may NOT be self-tailing. [NOTE: allowing self-tailing halyard winches was approved but then rejected by a fleet. Until further action self-tailing halyard winches are NOT allowed.] They shall be located below deck. The below-deck location of the halyard winches is optional. (See Specifications 4.1, 8.10 and Official Plan 2)
There shall be at least two and not more than four sheet winches, all of which shall be located on deck. Sheet winches may not be self-tailing. Handles for these sheet winches may be located above or below deck. Two sheet winches are required and shall be at the forward locations shown on Official Plan 2. Optional sheet winches may be located no less than 1 foot 8 inches or no more than 2 feet 6 inches, center to centerand adjacent to the coaming. Turning block or "ratchet" blocks may be installed in place of or in addition to the optional winches with their center anywhere in an area defined by the permitted location of the optional sheet winch centers fore and aft and athwartships from the outside of the coaming to the inside of the toe-rail. (See Specification 4.1 and Section VII - Official Sail Plans)
Masts may be rigged or fitted out by anyone but only in accordance with the Specifications and Official Plans 1 and 2.
The dimensions, weights and shapes of the mast, boom and spinnaker pole shall conform to the Specifications and to Official Plans 1 and 2.
Existing masts shall have been built only by Cape Cod Shipbuilding (Zephyr Products), Chris Craft Corporation or Henry Hinckley and Co. Only Zephyr Products shall build new masts.
Masts may be fabricated in two parts. The lower part or section shall not be more than 2 feet long. A two-part mast, when assembled, shall in all other respects conform to the Specifications and to Official Plans 1 and 2.
Masts may be blocked at the partners. Mast blocks or wedges shall not be changed or moved while racing. (See Specification 2.2)
Completely stripped, masts shall weigh at least 75 pounds. The center of gravity shall be at least 18 feet from the heel of the mast.
Existing aluminum spreaders shall have been made only by Cape Cod Shipbuilding (Zephyr Products), Chris Craft or Henry Hinckley. Only Zephyr Products shall build new aluminum spreaders. Wooden spreaders are permitted. (See Section VII - Official Plan 2)
A band, 1 inch wide and of a contrasting color shall be placed on the mast with the upper edge located 2 feet 5 inches above the deck at the centerline. While racing, no part of the mainsail shall extend below the upper edge of this band. (See Section VII - Official Plan 2)
A fixed gooseneck attached to the mast is permitted. The manufacturer of the gooseneck fitting is optional. The location of the gooseneck is optional except that the top of the boom shall not be below the top edge of the marking band on the mast. (See Specifications 5.7, 6.1)
Standing Rigging shall be of the types and sizes shown on Official Plans 1 and 2 and shall be fastened to the mast and hull only where shown in the Plans and only in the manner provided for in the Plans and in these Specifications. Use of "Sta-Master" brand turnbuckles has been ruled by the class to be prohibited. The headstay and upper and lower shrouds shall connect to the mast using marine eyes to through-bolted tangs.
Adjustments to the headstay and the shrouds are prohibited while racing.
The mast step shall be located on the centerline of the boat and shall consist of an aluminum casting (as supplied by Cape Cod Ship Building) that is fastened to a fixed plate parallel to the deck by four machine screws through the central portion of the casting. After the effective date of this Specification, the mast step shall not be moved except under the supervision of a fleet measurer, who shall record the boat's Bury, Y and X dimensions after the step has been moved so as to be in a position to certify that the step location appears to be in conformity with this Specification. To compete in the National Championship Regatta a boat shall not move its mast step within 30 days of the commencement of the Regatta.
The maximum permissible forward position of the mast step shall be determined as follows:
If the actual distance from point AC to the intersection of the aft edge of the mast where it rests on the step is greater than X, the mast step shall be moved aft sufficiently to comply with this Specification.
Table X : Shields Mast Step Location Guide: Defines Maximum X
Two (2) Degrees of Mast Rake with Partners at the Maximum Aft Position
All dimensions in Inches
Round off Bury and Y to nearest 0.25". Round 0.125", 0.375", 0.625", 0.875" Up.
Bury\Y | 133.50 | 133.75 | 134.00 | 134.25 | 134.50 | 134.75 | 135.00 | 135.25 | 135.50 | 135.75 | 136.00 | 136.25 | 136.50 | 136.75 | 137.00 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
33.00 | 138.63 | 138.87 | 139.12 | 139.36 | 139.60 | 139.85 | 140.09 | 140.33 | 140.58 | 140.82 | 141.06 | 141.30 | 141.55 | 141.79 | 142.03 |
33.25 | 138.70 | 138.94 | 139.19 | 139.43 | 139.67 | 139.91 | 140.16 | 140.40 | 140.64 | 140.89 | 141.13 | 141.37 | 141.61 | 141.86 | 142.10 |
33.50 | 138.77 | 139.01 | 139.25 | 139.50 | 139.74 | 139.98 | 140.22 | 140.47 | 140.71 | 140.95 | 141.20 | 141.44 | 141.68 | 141.92 | 142.17 |
33.75 | 138.84 | 139.08 | 139.32 | 139.56 | 139.81 | 140.05 | 140.29 | 140.54 | 140.78 | 141.02 | 141.26 | 141.51 | 141.75 | 141.99 | 142.24 |
34.00 | 138.91 | 139.15 | 139.39 | 139.63 | 139.88 | 140.12 | 140.36 | 140.60 | 140.85 | 141.09 | 141.33 | 141.57 | 141.82 | 142.06 | 142.30 |
34.25 | 138.98 | 139.22 | 139.46 | 139.70 | 139.95 | 140.19 | 140.43 | 140.67 | 140.92 | 141.16 | 141.40 | 141.64 | 141.89 | 142.13 | 142.37 |
34.50 | 139.05 | 139.29 | 139.53 | 139.77 | 140.02 | 140.26 | 140.50 | 140.74 | 140.99 | 141.23 | 141.47 | 141.71 | 141.95 | 142.20 | 142.44 |
34.75 | 139.12 | 139.36 | 139.60 | 139.84 | 140.09 | 140.33 | 140.57 | 140.81 | 141.05 | 141.30 | 141.54 | 141.78 | 142.02 | 142.27 | 142.51 |
35.00 | 139.19 | 139.43 | 139.67 | 139.91 | 140.16 | 140.40 | 140.64 | 140.88 | 141.13 | 141.37 | 141.61 | 141.85 | 142.09 | 142.34 | 142.58 |
35.25 | 139.26 | 139.50 | 139.74 | 139.99 | 140.23 | 140.47 | 140.71 | 140.95 | 141.20 | 141.44 | 141.68 | 141.92 | 142.16 | 142.41 | 142.65 |
35.50 | 139.33 | 139.57 | 139.82 | 140.06 | 140.30 | 140.54 | 140.78 | 141.02 | 141.27 | 141.51 | 141.75 | 141.99 | 142.23 | 142.48 | 142.72 |
35.75 | 139.40 | 139.65 | 139.89 | 140.13 | 140.37 | 140.61 | 140.85 | 141.10 | 141.34 | 141.58 | 141.82 | 142.06 | 142.31 | 142.55 | 142.79 |
36.00 | 139.48 | 139.72 | 139.96 | 140.20 | 140.44 | 140.68 | 140.93 | 141.17 | 141.41 | 141.65 | 141.89 | 142.14 | 142.38 | 142.62 | 142.86 |
36.25 | 139.55 | 139.79 | 140.03 | 140.27 | 140.52 | 140.76 | 141.00 | 141.24 | 141.48 | 141.72 | 141.97 | 142.21 | 142.45 | 142.69 | 142.93 |
36.50 | 139.62 | 139.86 | 140.11 | 140.35 | 140.59 | 140.83 | 141.07 | 141.31 | 141.55 | 141.80 | 142.04 | 142.28 | 142.52 | 142.76 | 143.00 |
36.75 | 139.70 | 139.94 | 140.18 | 140.42 | 140.66 | 140.90 | 141.14 | 141.39 | 141.63 | 141.87 | 142.11 | 142.35 | 142.59 | 142.84 | 143.08 |
37.00 | 139.77 | 140.01 | 140.25 | 140.49 | 140.74 | 140.98 | 141.22 | 141.46 | 141.70 | 141.94 | 142.18 | 142.43 | 142.67 | 142.91 | 143.15 |
Booms may be rigged or fitted out by any person. The boom section may be fabricated by any manufacturer in conformance with the cross-sections used by Zephyr Products, Chris Craft and Hinckley. "Cut outs" to lighten the boom are prohibited except that the aft end of the boom may be partly cut on a diagonal with the underside of the diagonal cut left open. The boom must conform to this Specification, all other Specifications pertaining to it and its equipment and with Official Plans 1 and 2. (See Specifications 5.8, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 8.1, 8.2, 8.7, 8.8, 8.18)
The length of the boom from the after face of the mast shall not exceed 13 feet 11 inches.
A band, 1 inch wide and of a contrasting color shall be placed on the boom with the inner edge located 13 feet 3-5/8 inches from the after face of the mast. While racing no part of the mainsail shall extend beyond the inner edge of this band. (See Section VII - Official Plans)
A bail (stainless steel) for the Mainsheet turning block shall be located 12 feet 1-7/8 inches from the after face of the mast. (See Section VII - Official Plans)
A sleeve not to exceed 3 feet in length may be inserted in the boom or fixed to it externally in order to reinforce the area where the boomvang and/or mainsheet are located. (See Specification 6.1)
Adjustments of these controls shall be by manual hauling.
The backstay may be led aft, amidships or forward. The purchase shall not exceed 8:1. The arrangement for turning the backstay pennant under the afterdeck is optional. (See Specifications 1.6, 2.8, 7.1)
The boomvang shall consist of a line or a combination of a wire leader or pennant attached to a line that runs through blocks. The purchase shall not exceed 8:1. The location of the attachment and the means of attachment to the boom, mast and/or console located between the mast and forward cockpit coaming is optional. (See Specifications 2.5, 6.1, 7.1 and Section VII - Official Plan 2)
An internal outhaul and jiffy reefing "gear" is permitted in the boom. The purchase of the outhaul shall not exceed 8:1. Jiffy reefing tack hooks may be attached to the gooseneck. (See Specifications 6.1, 7.1 and Section VII - Official Plan 2)
The location of block(s) and cleat(s) on the boom for adjusting the mainsheet is optional. The purchase of such arrangement shall not exceed 8:1 and may comprise a course and fine control. (See Specification 6.1 and Section VII - Official Plan 2)
A single part preventer may be attached to the boom and to a shroud or chainplate. (See Specification 6.1)
A support for the traveler track, made of fiberglass, wood or metal, may be mounted on the afterdeck. The support may be straight or curved and shall not extend beyond the inboard edge of the rubrail. The height above the centerline of the deck shall not exceed 1 inch. The height above the deck on the outboard ends of the support shall not exceed 3 inches. For a curved support, the chord dimension of the bend shall not exceed 4 inches. (See Specifications 8.4, 8.5)
A straight or curved traveler track with a sliding car may be mounted on the traveler track support on the afterdeck. The track shall not extend beyond the inboard end of the rubrail. The types of track and car are optional. A metal tang or similar device may be mounted between the top of the track and the rubrail for the purpose of preventing the mainsheet from catching the end of the track while jibing. (See Specifications 8.3, 8.5 and Section VII - Official Plan 2)
Lines to adjust the traveler may be led above or below deck and may be trimmed amidships. The type of lines and control arrangement is optional. The purchase of such arrangement shall not exceed 8:1. (See Specifications 2.7, 8.3, 8.4)
There shall be bow and stern mooring cleats. The type, number and location of all other cleats are optional. However, cleats shall not be of a type or in a location that will alter the lead of the main, jib or spinnaker sheets.
The type and size of blocks for sheets is optional.
The type and size of shackles is optional.
Halyards may be of wire, wire/rope or rope only. Synthetic materials such as Kevlar or Spectra are permitted.
A jib halyard control-tensioning device other than the halyard winch itself is prohibited. (See Specifications 4.2 and Section V-6.2)
The spinnaker halyard may have the return inside the mast and exit the mast at any location or be wholly outside the mast. When a halyard block is used the top of the sheave of the halyard block shall be at the same height as the spinnaker halyard fairlead as shown on Official Plan 2.
Spinnaker poles may be built by any person. The pole must conform to this Specification and Official Plans 1 and 2. The length of the spinnaker pole shall not exceed 9 feet 4 inches including fittings. It shall have a minimum diameter of 2 inches and excluding fittings shall be aluminum. Poles with a diameter in excess of 2 inches may be tapered to 2 inches at the ends.
The foreguy may be led either through the fairlead shown on Official Plan 2 or through or around the bow mooring cleat.
The topping lift may be rigged using fairleads, sheaves or blocks with or without mechanical advantage.
A bridle for the foreguy and the topping lift is optional. (See Specification 8.12 and Section VII - Official Plans)
Twing lines are permitted.(See Specification 2.7)
Alteration or replacement of the spinnaker track on the mast is permitted for the purpose of making the tracks stronger. There shall be no change in the length or location of the track. Adjustment of the spinnaker attachment ring shall only be done manually.
Spinnaker sheets shall not be attached to the boom. Separate light sheets are permitted. Synthetic materials such as Kevlar or Spectra are permitted. (See Specification 8.7 and Section VII - Official Plan 2)
The makes of jib sheet tracks and carriages (cars) are optional, but only manually operated systems are permitted. (See Specification 8.20, 8.21)
The jib sheet carriage (car) may only be moved manually while racing. (See Specification 8.19)
The jib sheets may be rigged with either one or two parts using one or both tracks. (See Specifications 8.7, 8.19, 8.20, 8.22, 8.23)
One reaching lead, port and starboard, may be located on the deck against the inboard edge of the toe rail. (See Specification 2.6)
The jib sheet tracks shall be located on deck exactly as indicated below and in the following drawing (using the given dimensions and not the angle).
To position the track:
Figure 1: Jib Sheet Carriage Track Placement
A means of steadying the mast forward (especially downwind) is permitted but shall not involve additional attached fittings or blocks.Lines with hooks or clips attached to the stays, jib tack, jib luff, jib halyard or bow cleat are allowed and may lead back to the cockpit.
The following equipment shall be considered mandatory and shall be carried at all times:
A 13-pound Danforth anchor is a Danforth standard lightweight-type anchor, based on a design by R. S. Danforth and R. D. Ogg. Its nominal weight is 13 pounds. Its overall length (end of shank to bottom of crown) is 28-1/4"; its width (stock length) is 21-1/2"; and its fluke length is 14-1/2".
An equivalent anchor is one that is at least equal in value, function and effect to the 13-pound Danforth anchor. The relevant values, functions and effects of the 13-pound Danforth anchor are:
Holding-power is difficult to measure and compare, but the Danforth lightweight-type anchor is widely thought to have better setting characteristics and greater holding power in a broad range of conditions than other anchors of similar weight. An equivalent anchor must have at least the same or greater holding power before adding chain or rode. Although adding chain improves the holding power of a ground-tackle system, it does not make the anchor itself equivalent to the one with greater holding power, i.e., an anchor with insufficient holding power cannot be made equivalent by adding chain.
An equivalent anchor must be no more difficult to deploy. It must not require assembly from its stored condition before use; an anchor that is stored disassembled while racing in not equivalent.
An equivalent anchor must weigh 12 pounds or more when dry. But any modification of a 13-pound Danforth anchor that reduces its original weight makes that anchor not equivalent.
An equivalent anchor must have approximately the same or greater dimensions, e.g., shortening the stock or modifying the shank, crown or flukes so that the anchor may be stowed under the floorboards, or that is modified in any other way that diminishes its setting characteristics, holding power, ease of deployment, or weight is not equivalent.
One who uses another make of anchor has the burden of demonstrating that it has equivalent or greater holding power, weight and dimensions.
A 13-pound Danforth anchor or its equivalent and at least 100 feet of 1/2 inch nylon anchor line.
One U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket of suitable size for each person aboard plus at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable device carried in an accessible place.
A paddle or an oar at least 4 feet long must be carried on board at all times.
A horn, whistle or similar noise-making device as specified by the local Fleet when racing in local waters shall be carried on board at all times. A horn is required for the National Regatta unless this provision is waived by the local host Regatta Committee.
A pump and a sturdy 5 gallon (or two 2 1/2 gallon) bucket(s) suitable for bailing must be carried on board at all times.
A working compass must be on board at all times. A self-contained electronic compass without wind shift indications is allowed. The use of a built-in timer and "tactical" display mode can be used. The Tacktick model T060 Micro Compass with brackets is approved. (See Specification 2.5, 10.5)
The following equipment is optional and is permitted:
Bilge pumps permanently mounted to the hull, portable hand pumps, additional buckets and other devices to facilitate self-rescue are permitted. One through-hull perforation above the waterline or one through-deck perforation is permitted for the exhaust of the pumps. One watertight perforation through a bulkhead for the run of the hoses and handles are permitted. The location of the pumps, the run of the hoses and the perforations mentioned herein are optional. (See Specifications 1.5, 1.6, 2.6, 10.15, 10.11)
A tiller extension or hiking stick is permitted.
An Inclinometer is permitted. The location is optional.
A Cunningham is permitted.The arrangement of its control lines is optional.
Additional compasses are permitted. The location of all compasses is optional. (See Specifications 2.5, 2.7, 10.16)
Reference or measuring systems such as a ruler, ruled device or tape for determining the position of the backstay, outhaul, Cunningham, sheets and/or halyards is permitted. Such devices shall measure linear distance; they shall NOT measure tension. Location of such devices is optional.
Telltales on sails and standing rigging are permitted. (See Section V - Sails 4.10)
Masthead wind direction indicator (fly) is permitted.
VHF radios, am/fm radios, radio cassettes, compact discs and other portable devices capable of playing music and receiving commercial radio and marine weather forecasts are permitted. Such devices shall not be used to communicate (transmit) individually with another party who is located ashore or on another vessel except in case of an emergency.
Prohibition: no electrically powered equipment is permitted other than that mentioned herein. Electronic instrumentation is not permitted.
The sailing instructions may change this rule to require VHF radios or other electronic devices.
Portable running lights are permitted.
An automatic bilge pump is permitted only when on the mooring.
Protrusions that might damage another yacht shall be removed while racing.
A spinnaker bucket, turtle, fixed or movable bin to launch the spinnaker is permitted.