Measurer’s Interpretations and Recommendations
§I-VI-A5: The National Measurer shall interpret and recommend changes in the specifications. He shall have such assistance from the Technical Committee as is necessary and appropriate. Such interpretations and recommendations shall be subject to approval by the Governing Board. They shall be published as Measurer’s "Interpretations" or "Rulings" or as new or amended Specifications as soon as adopted in the manner provided by the Constitution and By-Laws.
Note that this page is no longer in use and what is shown is for archival use only.
| Topic Section | Question | Short Answer | Status * | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | What is allowed to re-build the deadwood? | In Process | Details | |
| Hull | Can a paint designed to prevent growth be used even though it is not called "anti-fouling". | No | In Process | Details |
| Deck | What is allowed to re-build the deck? | In Process | Details | |
| Mainsail | Can the mainsail be used loose footed? Can the battens be extended? | No | In Process | Details |
| Jib | Can the jib be used with roller reefing? | No | In Process | Details |
| Basic Rules | Can hiking be assisted using existing lines? What are the limits on athletic hiking? | In Process | Details | |
| Affirmed Interpretations and Recommendations | ||||
| Hull | Can the tiller be constructed from other then wood? | No | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Deck | May drain holes be cut in the toe rail? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Deck | May the backstay sheave be a Harken 310? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Cockpit | Does the coaming need to project 2" above the deck? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Cockpit | May the floorboards be re-constructed from plywood? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Mast | The mast is currently being produced at 39' 4-5/8" but the specifications are 39' 6"? | Affirmed | Details | |
| Mast | Would it be legal to use Tball shroud terminals in lieu of marine eyes on the mast? | No | Affirmed | Details |
| Boom | Is the current boom with diagonal cut legal at 13' 11" length? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Boom | Is the dimension for placement of the boom bail correct? | No | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Boom | May the boom turning bail be soft (Spectra) or not used rather than Stainless? | No | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Backstay/Boomvang/Outhaul Adjustments | Is wire the only permitted material for the connection of the backstay through the backstay gland? | No | Affirmed | Details |
| Backstay/Boomvang/Outhaul Adjustments | May the boomvang be attached to the mast using a strap? | Yes | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Control Lines | Is a fraculator (a system to steady the mast forward downwind) permitted? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Control Lines | May sheets have a section of their cover stripped off? | Yes | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Control Lines | Is the allowed purchase of the mainsheet 8:1 and can this be accomplished with a fine and coarse set of blocks? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Control Lines | May the spinnaker foreguy fairlead be moved? (The goal being to keep the foreguy from pulling the pole forward.) | No | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Control Lines | Are both sets of jib tracks required? | Yes | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Control Lines | May the spinnaker halyard exit the mast above the deck? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Optional Equipment | Is there a change required of the class rules for RRS 2009-2012? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Optional Equipment | May an electronic compass (i.e., TackTick) be used? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Jib | The Class Rules indicate the jib battens are 2 inches wide - is this correct? | No | Affirmed | Details |
| Sail Measurement | Do both spinnaker measurements apply: 10.0' max at any location (at 90 deg.) and 10' 6" max 15' radial | Yes | Affirmed-X | Details |
| Jib Measurement | Is there a better means to measure the jib head apex? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Basic Rules | Is there a limit on crew number or weight? | Yes | Affirmed | Details |
| Spinnaker Pole | Can the spinnaker pole be carbon fiber? | No | Affirmed | Details |
| Spinnaker Pole | Would it be legal to store the spinnaker pole on the boom while racing? | No | Affirmed | Details |
| Tabled Issues | ||||
| Hull | May deck splash boards be used? | No | Tabled | Details |
| Hull | Can the floatation system be improved? | Yes | Tabled | Details |
| Control Lines | Can the spinnaker pole taper be less then 2 inches? | No | Tabled | Details |
| Jib | Can the length of the jib battens be extended? | No | Tabled | Details |
| Spinnaker | Can a smaller spinnaker be used? | No | Tabled | Details |
| Basic Rules | Can non-inventory sails be used in a race for sail testing? | Yes | Tabled | Details |
* Status Values:
- In Process = Topic is being investigated.
- Pending = Answer has been posted for discussion. Answer may or may not be affirmed - use with caution.
- Affirmed = Answer has been approved by Governing Board.
- Affirmed-X = Answer has been affirmed by Technical Committee and no action requested of Governing Board.
- Rejected = Answer has been disapproved by Governing Board.
- Tabled = Status-quo, discussion has occurred but no changes adopted.
To submit new questions for interpretation and recommendation please email the Shields National Measurer. To add a comment to a specific topic, go to the Details page for that topic and enter your comment.