by Mike Eades, Seawind Class Secretary
Rules Clarification/Interpretation – Rules 1, 11 & 15
Questions have been raised as to permissible locations for batteries and further, especially regarding the SeaWind CE, use of heavier batteries as part of the “correction weight” needed to bring the boat up to the minimum weight limit. In turn these questions led to ask “Which of the under deck plastic parts are required. What modifications are permitted?” and “What alternative locations are permissible for various radio system parts?” In the current SeaWind Class Rules 4/1/07, Rules 1 (“…Unless the class rules specifically permit a modification to the boat as defined in the kit, an owner shall assume they are not permitted….”), 11 Radio Equipment and 15 Weight, impinge on these issues.
Although not explicitly stated it is implied, under Rule 1, that the under deck structure shown in Step 8 plus the radio board, part C2, shall be installed and located as shown in step 13 of the instructions. However, the battery holder, part C5, may be omitted or modified to hold odd shaped batteries.
Rule 11.3 requires servos “of the type defined in the instructions”. Alternative arm-type sail winches and rudder servos may be used but must be located in the positions shown and modification of the radio board to accommodate them is permitted.
Although not explicitly stated we have allowed alternative on/off switch types and locations including but without limit, magnetic reed switches, kit type on/off or toggle switches located in the deck etc.
Also not explicitly stated we have allowed alternative locations for the radio receiver, most commonly attached under the deck forward of the hatch.
Rule 11.4 permits use of alternative battery types and sizes except that “…the weight and size may not be changed during a regatta unless authorized by the RD.” We have permitted alternative locations for the battery pack which implies use of additional fixtures needed to secure the pack. Typical battery packs in use are 4-5 cell AA or AAA size plus some Lithium batteries as the concern has always been to get enough power and capacity at minimum weight. However, shifting the location of the battery during a regatta seems contrary to the spirit of this rule, therefore: Rule 11.4 shall be interpreted as “…the weight, size and location may not be changed during a regatta unless authorized by the RD due to damage or failure.”
Although not explicitly expressed we have permitted use of additional radio equipment items such as voltage regulators, servo fail-safe devices etc without specifying location.
For the standard ABS SeaWind none of the above permitted modifications are perceived to have any performance enhancing effect and usually have, if anything, the effect of increasing the weight above the minimum weight limit. While some skippers perceive a beneficial effect downwind in heavy air in locating the battery further aft it is generally believed that any such benefit is offset by reduced upwind performance and the above interpretation of rule 11.4 leaves boats modified in such manner exposed if lighter air conditions arise during an event.
For the SeaWind CE, its intrinsically lighter weight usually requires addition of “correction weight” under Rule 15.1 the location of which is precisely specified. This rule provision was included to accommodate the lighter weight SeaWind SE which was an option when the rules were drafted. It is felt desirable to limit the weight of the battery pack, the location of which is not currently limited and to clarify what material shall be used for “correction weight”.
For the SeaWind CE, Rule 11.4 shall be interpreted as limited to battery size and type similar to those typically used in the standard SeaWind. For the time being this rule shall be interpreted as limited to a battery pack no heavier than 6 oz (approximately equivalent to a 5-AA-cell pack). Any additional weight required to comply with Class minimum weight is “correction weight” and shall be lead, located as defined in Rule 15.1.
This Interpretation shall be in effect until after the next Class Ballot revision 4/1/2009. In that ballot it is the intention of the Class Secretary to include a proposal for further standardization of battery type and location for all SeaWinds to be 4 or 5-cell AA or AAA battery packs, maximum pack weight 6 oz, placed in Part C5 located as shown in Step 14 of the kit instructions.
Rule 8 Spars
8.2 All mast and boom fittings, with the exception of cleats, bowsies and the vang rod, must be used and shall be located in the position defined in the kit instructions. ….
A supplier of SeaWind and other Kyosho kits offers a “carbon mast joiner”, in the form of a 12” carbon rod or tube which fits inside the mast, as a replacement for the copper joiner supplied in the SeaWind kit.
After consultation with the SeaWind Class Officers we are of the unanimous opinion that such a modification, which will certainly change the bending characteristics of the mast, is not permitted under rule 8.2.
Rule 10 RUNNING RIGGING
10.2 Methods and fittings used to attach and adjust the length of running rigging are optional provided they exert control in the manner that the kit design intends, with the exception of the clew outhaul for both jib and main which system may also include a downhaul or inhaul line.
A Rule Interpretation was requested as to the legality of a modification in which tension was maintained on the main sheet control line leading from the sail winch arm by addition of an elastic cord attached to the knot joining the main and jib sheets and attached to the jib pivot chain plate.
After an extensive consultation with the Class Officers, I interpret Rule 10.2 to disallow such a modification. In the kit design the only forces applied to the jib and main sheet control lines are the force applied by the sail winch arm and the opposing force applied by wind action on the sails.
Addition of an active tensioning force pulling the main sheet line through the deck pulley and above the deck is a departure from kit design intention and, in the opinion of several, could result in a performance benefit in light air by reducing the wind force required to begin to move the sails outward.
SeaWind COA Policy – Possible additional Rule
1 - Temporary Repairs
It is the policy of the SeaWind COA to be as inclusive as possible in SeaWind Class events. In the event that a SeaWind Yacht is damaged, in transit to or during any portion (including scheduled practice) of a scheduled COA-sanctioned Regatta temporary repairs may be made, including use of non-standard parts, or in the case of cosmetic parts be left unrepaired if, in the opinion of the Regatta Committee or responsible official whose decision shall be final, the repair or lack thereof does not convey a performance advantage. Such temporary repairs shall only be valid for the duration of that specific scheduled Regatta.
