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The Boss Class One Design Rules
 
 
  1. Introduction
  2. Protection of the One-Design
  3. Fundamental Rules
  4. Deviation from the Official Drawings and Specifications
  5. Alterations, Repairs and Replacements
  6. Measurement
  7. Weight Equalisation
  8. Sailing Requirements
  9. Variations from International Yacht Racing Rules

Amendments

1. Introduction
  1. The BOSS was created as a one-design dinghy such that all boats are capable of equal performance and the racing results depend solely on the sailing skills of the crew. The fundamental objective of these Class Rules ("the Rules") is to ensure that the strict one-design concept is maintained.
  2. The English text of the Rules shall govern.
  3. The Committee of the BOSS Class Association, in consultation with the Copyright Holders, shall be empowered to apply their own interpretation of a Class Rule, pending ratification at a subsequent AGM according to the constitution.
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2. Protection of the One-Design
  1. Hulls and other equipment moulded in GRP or other material specified by the Copyright Holders shall originate only from official moulds approved and registered by the Copyright Holders.
  2. Only those companies holding current Licenses to manufacture and market the BOSS shall be permitted to sell or distribute the BOSS and unique BOSS equipment.
  3. The License requires Licensees to produce boats and equipment in accordance with the official Drawings and Specifications issued by the Copyright Holders and with these Class Rules.
  4. Each boat will be issued with a unique Registration Number which will be clearly marked on the hull.

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3. Fundamental Rules
  1. The BOSS shall be raced only when the complete boat and its crew conform to these rules.
  2. No additions, alterations or repairs may be made to the BOSS except as specifically authorised by these Rules. These restrictions shall extend to position and intended function of each item.

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4. Deviation from the Official Drawings and Specifications
Only the following optional items are permitted:-
  1. A Silva 103P compass may be attached to any part of the mast or space frame provided that such an attachment is made without the use of screws or bolts.
  2. Any number and design of mechanical wind indication devices may be fitted.
  3. All cordage supplied (excluding wire) may be replaced, providing that the replacement cordage is of uniform diameter within 2mm of the diameter of that supplied. The addition of cordage to aid righting from capsize is unrestricted. The use of elastic shock cord , rope end stoppers and adhesive tape is unrestricted.
  4. The use of halyard bags or other storage recepticles is permitted anywhere on the hull within the confines of the gunwhales.
  5. The choice of trapeeze ring, adjustment and retraction system is unrestricted.
  6. The choice of tiller extension is unrestricted.
  7. Wedges may be used to angle any fitting, fairleads may be added (or removed from) any cleats.
  8. The use of alternative shackles or rigging links is unrestricted, except in the standing rigging.
  9. Non-slip materials not exceeding 3mm in depth may be added or applied to the hull or racks.
  10. The use of a log to measure speed through the water, as provided by a licensed distributor, is permitted.
  11. The choice of batten tensioning devices is unrestricted.
  12. The choice of inspection hatches is unrestricted.
  13. The choice of ratchet blocks is unrestricted.
  14. The choice of cam cleats and clam cleats is unrestricted.
  15. The choice of blocks is unrestricted.
  16. Wire rigging and rig tensioning purchases with the following restrictions on construction and sizes:-
    • shrouds not less than 3mm dia. 1 x 19 stainless steel wire,
    • jib halyard not less than 3mm dia. Flexible stainless steel wire and rig,
    • tension purchase not less than 2.5mm dia. Flexible stainless steel wire.
  17. Calibration marks of any kind are permitted.

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5. Alterations, Repairs and Replacements
  1. Any alteration to the hull or deck form, construction, spars, sails, rigging or equipment as supplied by the manufacturer (in accordance with the specification of the Copyright Holders) is prohibited, except where specifically authorised by these Class Rules.
  2. Damaged items shall be repaired in a way that best reproduces the original shape and construction of the item. Items which have been repaired in such a way as to alter the shape (beyond minor and unavoidable variations) or any other characteristic affecting performance shall not be permitted.
  3. All replacement sails, sail battens, spars rudders and dagger boards may be obtained only from a manufacturer licensed to distribute unique BOSS equipment.
  4. The modification of existing boats in line with the specification of current production boats is permitted.

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6. Measurement
  1. In the event of a dispute alleging non-compliance with these rules, the matter, together with any relevant information shall be referred to the Technical sub-committee of the Class Association. The decision of the Technical sub-committee shall be final and binding on all parties.
  2. In the case of a measurement dispute not explicitly covered by these rules, the following procedure may be adopted:- A sample of dimensions obtained using identical measurement techniques in each case, shall be taken from five BOSS or items of equipment, which are not the subject of the dispute. The dimensions of the disputed boat or item or its equipment, taken using the same technique, shall be compared with the dimensions obtained in the sample. If any of the dimensions obtained from the disputed boat or its equipment are outside the range of the corresponding dimensions by more than 5% of the average found in the sample then the matter, together with the details of the measurement methods and any other relevant information, shall be referred to the International Technical sub-committee. The decision of the International Technical sub-committee after consultation with the Copyright Holders shall be final and binding on all parties.
  3. If in the course of considering any dispute or for any other reason it should come to the notice of the International Technical sub-committee that there are considerable or repeated measurement discrepancies or failures to comply with these rules the International Technical sub-committee must advise and consult with the Copyright Holder and any licensed builder involved.

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7. Weight Equalisation
To aid equalisation of advantage across a wide range of wind strengths for crews of different weights and heights in accordance with Class Rule 1.1 the BOSS uses corrector weights and adjustable racks. The racks can be fixed in any of 3 positions to give a narrow, medium, or wide trapezing base, henceforward referred to as the "inner", "middle" and "outer" rack positions respectively. Rules 7.1 to 7.5 below dictate the rack position and corrector weights to be used by crews of different physical characteristics. These are also summarised in the table below. In the event of any dispute the wording will take precedence over any interpretation of the table. The word "average" used here refers to the arithmetic mean - i.e. the total weight (and height) of the crew members is divided by 2 to obtain the relevant figure.
  1. Crews with an average weight of more than 77 Kg are in Group 1. Group 1 competitors may sail without corrector weights. They shall use the inner rack position unless they have an average height of less than 1.75 meters, in which case they shall use the middle rack position.
  2. Crews with an average weight of less than 69 Kg are in Group 3. Group 3 competitors shall use 12 Kg of corrector weights. They may use the outer rack position unless they have an average height of more than 1.85 meters, in which case they shall use the middle rack position.
  3. Crews with an average weight of between 70 Kg and 76 Kg (inclusive) are in Group 2. Group 2 competitors shall use 6 Kg of corrector weights. Those with an average height of more than 1.85 meters shall use the inner rack position; those with an average height of between 1.75 meters and 1.85 meters may use the middle rack position; those with an average height of less than 1.75 meters may use the outer rack position.
  4. Crews with an average weight between 76 Kg and 77 Kg may choose whether to compete according to the rules governing Group 1 or those governing Group 2 for any series. Crews with an average weight between 69 Kg and 70 Kg may choose whether to compete according to the rules governing Group 2 or those governing Group 3 for any series.
  5. Competitors' weights and heights will be determined by an official set of scales and ruler. Weights will be measured with competitors wearing shorts and T-shirt, or equivalent light clothing. Height will be measured in bare feet or socks.
  6. The wearing of weight jackets or any other clothing specifically intended to increase sailing weight by either crew member is prohibited.

 

Average crew weight

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Average crew height

Greater than 77 Kg

76-70 Kg inclusive

Less than 69 Kg

Greater than 1.85m

Inner and no corrector

Inner and 6Kg corrector

Middle and 12Kg corrector

1.75-1.85m inclusive

Inner and no corrector

Middle and 6Kg corrector

Outer and 12Kg corrector

Less than 1.75m

Middle and no corrector

Outer and 6Kg corrector

Outer and 12Kg corrector

In the event of a protest under Section 7 of these Class Rules the racing weight and or height of the protested crew will be determined at any meeting to hear the protest by weighing and / or measuring both crew members according to rule 7.5. It is acknowledged that individuals' weights may vary during a series, or even during a single race. The competitors themselves are responsible for ensuring that they comply with these Class rules at all times when racing.

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8. Sailing Requirements
  1. The BOSS shall be raced with two persons on board.
  2. No BOSS is permitted to compete in any class race unless:-
    • The owner, a joint owner or nominated representative of an organisation owning the BOSS is a full member of the Class Association.
    • One member of the crew is a full or associate member of the Class Association.
    • The BOSS has been issued with a sail number.
  3. The Sail Number shall be displayed on each side of the mainsail with the upper numbers on the starboard side, placed in the horizontal panel between the third and fourth battens from the top of the sail.
  4. Only one mainsail, one jib and one spinnaker may be used for each series of races unless a sail is damaged beyond repair or damaged to the extent that it cannot be repaired before the start of the next race in the series, in which case a replacement sail may be used. For the purposes of this rule, a series is deemed to be 2 or more races to be sailed within a period of 10 consecutive days or less which count towards an overall points total.
  5. The total combined weight of all clothing and equipment worn by both persons on board shall not exceed 12 Kgs when weighed in accordance with Appendix A4 "Weight of Wet Clothing" of the International Yacht Racing rules.
  6. The sprit shall be retracted at all times other than when the spinnaker is set or in the act of being set or recovered.

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9. Variations from the International Yacht Racing Rules
  1. International Yacht Racing Rule 64.2 "Spinnaker Poles and Whisker Poles" shall not apply.
  2. International Yacht Racing Rule Appendix B3 "Identification - Class Insignia, National Letters and Numbers" paragraphs 1.3 (c) shall not apply. (There shall be no requirement to carry sail numbers and national letters on the spinnaker).
  3. The Class Association may prescribe rules and restrictions to International Yacht Racing Rule 18.0 "Advertising and Event Categories" and the related Appendix A3.

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10. Amendments
Amendments to these Rules after 30 March shall be approved by all of the following:-
  • The Copyright Holders
  • The majority of the committee of the Class Association
  • At least two thirds of the full members of the Class Association who return written replies within 3 months of the circulation of the proposed rule changes.
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