The By Laws of the ECA require thirty days notice of any proposed rule changes to be voted upon at the next Special Meeting or Annual Meeting of the Membership.
This rule is hereby posted to the membership for presentation and discussion.
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Rule Change Proposal for Whisker Pole
Current:
17. SPINNAKER AND WHISKER POLES:
A. The spinnaker pole length shall be no more than 7-1/2 feet in overall length. When in use with a spinnaker or as a whisker pole with a jib, the spinnaker pole must be attached to the mast.
B. The whisker pole may be of variable length, and shall not exceed more than 12.0 feet in overall length.
C. A whisker pole may be used provided:
1. It is only used with jibs, never with a spinnaker.
2. It is attached to the mast when in use.
3. It is not used at the same time as the spinnaker pole.
Proposed:
17. SPINNAKER AND WHISKER POLES:
A. The spinnaker pole length shall be no more than 7-1/2 feet in overall length. When in use with a spinnaker or as a whisker pole with a jib, the spinnaker pole must be attached to the mast.
B. The whisker pole may be of variable length. , and shall not exceed more than 12.0 feet in overall length.
C. A whisker pole may be used provided:
1. It is only used with jibs, never with a spinnaker.
2. It is attached to the mast when in use.
3. It is not used at the same time as the spinnaker pole.
Rationale:
After much discussion considering black bands and lines restraining length on telescoping poles, the Rules Committee decided to remove all length restrictions on telescoping whisker poles because the foot length of the headsail, regardless of headsail size, already provides the recommended, useful and limiting length of the whisker pole.
Based on the foot of the #1 genoa being a max of 13' 6" and the #2 being 12’, the rule change would allow individuals to select the size they believe is optimum for the boat’s best performance, removes the need for considering a restraining line to prohibit exceeding a max length, no measurements would be required at national events. A sail can’t be stretched out farther than the foot of the sail.
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Best regards,
Best regards,
Stephen Heinzelman
ECA Rules Vice Commodore