Proposed Rule Changes for the Ensign Class Association
Sail Cloth Specifications Proposal
Name of Proposer: ECA Governing Board
Proposal Date: January 2019
Discussion Cut Off Date: June 1, 2019
Anticipated Formal Membership Vote: June 2019
Rationale:
Regarding Sail Cloth and Materials…
The ECA Rules specify sail cloth characteristics using outdated terminology and standards. The width of a bolt of sail cloth has changed over time. Typically in the US, sailcloth weight is referred to in ounces per sailmakers yard, which is the weight (in ounces) for sail cloth of the dimensions: 28.5” x 36”, (Also Known As: sm.oz. or oz/sm.yd )
None of these proposed rule changes alter the sail cloths, weights and materials of current class-legal sails. The proposed change is simply a conversion to present-day standards for describing the weight of sail cloth and simplifying the standards.
It is proposed the spinnaker material weight be updated to conform to modern standards for One-Design racing classes around the globe, and to align with all the major material manufacturers standards. Current available materials are the same weight (within 7/100th of an oz difference) where the ECA’s current rules mention “uncoated”, ¾ oz Nylon. Nylon has not been weighed, “uncoated”, for 40+ years. The coated weight of ¾ oz. nylon is closer to 1 oz or 42 g/m2. The proposed rule change is for the ECA to use 40 g/m2 or .93 oz. / sm.yd.
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. SAILS:
A. Sail measurements listed herein shall, as specifically noted, be made from the outside edges of cloth or boltrope, as the case may be. All measurements shall be taken with the sail laid flat on the floor, with tension adequate to remove all wrinkles in the line of measurement. One-half ounce tolerance is allowed on 4.5 and 5 ounce Dacron. One-quarter ounce tolerance is allowed on 1.2-ounce nylon. These weights are for 36" by 28.5" cloth.
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. SAILS:
A. Sail measurements listed herein shall, as specifically noted, be made from the outside edges of cloth, luff tape, or boltrope, as the case may be. All measurements shall be taken with the sail laid flat on the floor, with tension adequate to remove all wrinkles in the line of measurement.
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. G. MAINSAIL:
7. Mainsails shall be made of Dacron cloth, 5 ounces. per running yard, 28-1/2" wide. (Width for weight specification only).
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. G. MAINSAIL:
7. Mainsails shall be made of Dacron cloth, of a weight not less than 214 g/m2 (5 oz./sm.yd.).
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. H. WORKING JIB:
1. All working jibs shall be fitted with metal and/or plastic hanks, all of which, when the sail is set, must be attached to the jib stay.
2. The use of one or two battens, of maximum 16" in length each, in the leech of the sail is optional.
3. Working jibs shall be made of Dacron, 5 ounces per running yard, 28-1/2" wide. (Width for weight specification only).
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. H. WORKING JIB:
1. All working jibs shall be fitted with either metal and/or plastic hanks, or in the case of an installed roller-furler system headfoil, an appropriate luff tape.
2. The use of one or two battens, of maximum 16" in length each, in the leech of the sail is optional.
3. Working jibs shall be made of Dacron, of a weight not less than 214 g/m2 (5 oz./sm.yd.).
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. I. LARGE GENOA (No. 1):
1. All No. 1 genoas shall be fitted with metal and/or plastic hanks, all of which, when the sail is set, must be attached to the jib stay.
2. All No. 1 genoas shall be made of Dacron, 4 and 1/2 ounces per running yard, 28-1/2" wide. (Width for weight specification only).
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. I. LARGE GENOA (No. 1):
1. All No. 1 genoas shall be fitted with either metal and/or plastic hanks, or in the case of an installed roller-furler system headfoil, an appropriate luff tape.
2. All No. 1 Genoas shall be made of Dacron, of a weight not less than 192 g/m2 (4.5 oz./sm.yd.).
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. J. SMALL GENOA (No. 2):
1. All No. 2 genoas shall be fitted with metal and/or plastic hanks, all of which, when the sail is set, must be attached to the jibstay.
2. No. 2 genoas shall be made of Dacron, 5 ounces per running yard, 28-1/2" wide. (Width for weight specification only).
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. J. SMALL GENOA (No. 2):
1. All No. 2 genoas shall be fitted with either metal and/or plastic hanks, or in the case of an installed roller-furler system headfoil, an appropriate luff tape.
2. No. 2 genoas shall be made of Dacron, of a weight not less than 214 g/m2 (5 oz./sm.yd.).
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. K. BLADE JIB:
1. All blade jibs shall be fitted with metal and/or plastic hanks, all of which, when the sail is set, must be attached to the jibstay.
2. Blade jibs shall be made of Dacron, a minimum of 5 ounces per running yard, 28-1/2" wide. (Width for weight specification only).
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. K. BLADE JIB:
1. All blade jibs shall be fitted with either metal and/or plastic hanks, or in the case of an installed roller-furler system headfoil, an appropriate luff tape.
2. Blade jibs shall be made of Dacron, of a weight not less than 214 g/m2 (5 oz./sm.yd.).
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Proposed deletions or omissions are stricken in the Current Rule.
Proposed additions and replacement verbiage are emboldened in the Proposed Change.
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CURRENT RULE:
Part II 9. M. SPINNAKER:
1. Spinnakers shall be of the parachute type, with equal luffs. Taped and glued seams without stitching are permissible. Venturi types shall not be used.
2. Spinnakers shall be made of woven material. The cloth, uncoated, shall weigh no less than 3/4 ounces per running yard, 28-1/2" wide. (Width for weight specification only) The intent of this rule is to permit nominal 3/4-ounce fabric to be used.
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Part II 9. M. SPINNAKER:
1. Spinnakers shall be of the parachute type, with equal luffs. Taped and glued seams without stitching are permissible. Venturi types shall not be used.
2. Spinnakers shall be made of woven Nylon. The material shall weigh no less than 40 g/m2 (0.93 oz. / sm.yd).
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Best regards,
Bud Brown
#1085
ECA Rules Vice Commodore