- Introduction
- Protection
of the One-Design
- Fundamental
Rules
- Deviation
from the Official Drawings and Specifications
- Alterations,
Repairs and Replacements
- Measurement
- Weight
Equalisation
- Sailing
Requirements
- Variations
from International Yacht Racing Rules
Amendments
1. Introduction
- 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.
- The
English text of the Rules shall govern.
- 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.
2.
Protection of the One-Design
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Each
boat will be issued with a unique Registration Number which
will be clearly marked on the hull.
3.
Fundamental Rules
- The
BOSS shall be raced only when the complete boat and its
crew conform to these rules.
- 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.
4.
Deviation from the Official Drawings and Specifications
Only the following optional items are permitted:-
- 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.
- Any
number and design of mechanical wind indication devices
may be fitted.
- 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.
- The
use of halyard bags or other storage recepticles is permitted
anywhere on the hull within the confines of the gunwhales.
- The
choice of trapeeze ring, adjustment and retraction system
is unrestricted.
- The
choice of tiller extension is unrestricted.
- Wedges
may be used to angle any fitting, fairleads may be added
(or removed from) any cleats.
- The
use of alternative shackles or rigging links is unrestricted,
except in the standing rigging.
- Non-slip
materials not exceeding 3mm in depth may be added or applied
to the hull or racks.
- The
use of a log to measure speed through the water, as provided
by a licensed distributor, is permitted.
- The
choice of batten tensioning devices is unrestricted.
- The
choice of inspection hatches is unrestricted.
- The
choice of ratchet blocks is unrestricted.
- The
choice of cam cleats and clam cleats is unrestricted.
- The
choice of blocks is unrestricted.
- 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.
- Calibration
marks of any kind are permitted.
5. Alterations, Repairs and Replacements
- 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.
- 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.
- All
replacement sails, sail battens, spars rudders and dagger
boards may be obtained only from a manufacturer licensed
to distribute unique BOSS equipment.
- The
modification of existing boats in line with the specification
of current production boats is permitted.
6.
Measurement
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The
wearing of weight jackets or any other clothing specifically
intended to increase sailing weight by either crew member
is prohibited.
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Average
crew weight
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Group
1
|
Group
2
|
Group
3
|
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Average
crew height
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Greater
than 77 Kg
|
76-70
Kg inclusive
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Less
than 69 Kg
|
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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.
8.
Sailing Requirements
- The
BOSS shall be raced with two persons on board.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The
sprit shall be retracted at all times other than when the
spinnaker is set or in the act of being set or recovered.
9.
Variations from the International Yacht Racing Rules
- International
Yacht Racing Rule 64.2 "Spinnaker Poles and Whisker Poles"
shall not apply.
- 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).
- The
Class Association may prescribe rules and restrictions to
International Yacht Racing Rule 18.0 "Advertising and Event
Categories" and the related Appendix A3.
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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