2007 29er Class World Championship
Consideration of 29er Class Event Rules regarding low wind speed.
This initiative is based on a situation that occurred at the 2006 29er WC in Weymouth.
The current Class Rules are quoted below:
APPENDIX 2 - EVENT RULES
1.1. The minimum wind speed for starting shall be that in which the race
committee considers the boats have sufficient capability for pre-start maneuvers.
1.2. Races should not start, or races in progress should be abandoned when:
(a) wind gusts exceed 25 knots for more than 30 seconds
(b) wind gusts exceed 30 knots for any duration
(c) the race committee considers conditions are unsafe for sailing
(d) the wind is less than 4 knots for more than 5 minutes.
The Issue:
In the 2006 29er WC year the Race Committee had some problems in light winds with 29er CR App 2, 1.2 (d) (see above). In one race, after a request for redress, the Jury abandoned the race after the finish because the wind speed was not recorded as required and it could not be confirmed that CR app 2, 1.2 (d) had been met.
After this ruling the Jury and Race Committee had a discussion.
The questions where:
- Does the R/C need to monitor the wind speed constantly?
ANSWER: The R/C should monitor wind speed whenever they know there is a likelihood that the speed could drop below 4 knots. Further, the wind speed need not be recorded on any regular basis but each time the wind does go below 4 knots the incident should be recorded and the length of time during which the wind is below 4 knots should recorded.
If any of these time periods exceeds 5 minutes the race should be abandoned.
(Another way of saying this is that the R/C should start a stopwatch any time the wind goes under 4 knots and stop it when the wind goes back over 4 knots – if the time ever exceeds 5 minutes the race should be abandoned).
2. Where on the course should the wind speed be taken?
ANSWER: The R/C should select a spot or spots on the course as needed to give a reasonable indication of the conditions throughout the course.
In order to ensure that Race Committees will consistently apply the “low wind rule” the class should clarify CR app 2 1.2 (d). In the absence of such a rule change/amendment Race Committees should have each Event Measurer provide a clear interpretation of the rule that should be posted as a Notice to Competitors.
Class rule A7.1 affirms that rule interpretations at an event shall be made in accordance with the RRS.
RRS 64.3 (b) and ERS C 4.4 indicate that the Event Measurer appointed by the Race Committee is responsible for rule interpretations at Class events.
Action: In order to avoid confusion as experienced at the 2006 29er WC, prior to the start of racing, the R/C should ask the Event Measurer for an interpretation on CR app 2, 1.2 (d). This interpretation should be posted as a Notice to Competitors. A recommended form of this interpretation is as follows:
Notice to Competitors:
The Event Measurer has issued the following interpretation regarding 29er CR app2, 1.2 (d):
The Race Committee shall ensure compliance with CR app 2, 1.2 (d)as follows: Tthe Race Committee will monitor such positions in the racing area as they feel are necessary to give a reasonable indication of the wind speed throughout the racing area. There shall be no grounds for redress based on the Race Committee’s selection of such positions.