NOTICE TO MEMBERS - Sail Fastening

FASTENING OF SAIL TO MAST AND BOOM (CR 6.6.3.3; 6.6.3.4; 6.6.3.5)

The Technical Committee received the following request for clarification with regard to authorised methods for the fastening of the sail to mast and boom:
“Is the use of soft shackles as shown in the pictures acceptable as an alternative to the classic sail ties / lacing lines?”

The current class rules state:

1. The luff of the sail shall be lashed to the mast at each eyelet so as to be within 10 mm of the mast.
2. The foot of the sail shall be lashed to the boom at each eyelet so as to be within 10 mm of the boom. Alternatively, at the tack eyelet, it may either be lashed to the jaw fittings or attached through two holes in the jaws or jaw fittings, so as to be within 10 mm of the boom or its imaginary extension (see also Rigging Plan sheet 12/12).
3. The sail shall be fastened to the mast and boom with cordage only.

Taking into account the use of the wording “lashed” in CR 6.6.3.3 and CR 6.6.3.4 and “with cordage only” in CR 6.6.3.5, the Technical Committee confirms the use of soft shackles as illustrated above is acceptable.

On behalf of the IODA Technical Committee,

Jurgen Cluytmans,   Technical Committee Chairman

March 10, 2017