Association Philosophy regarding measurement.
It is the policy of the E5.9 Association to use (and interpret) the class rules to restrict the hull, mast, moulded and certain other standard components such as foils, bulb and sail plan, while allowing a certain freedom of finish, configuration, set-up and equipment - to ensure that all boats have the same potential speed.
Existing owners are also assured that we will be careful not to make the existing boats obsolete by the current build program. It is impossible to define completely every aspect of the craft (nor do we wish to) and thus any aspect deemed to be “not within the spirit of the class rules” may be cause for the refusal or withdrawal of a measurement certificate or for disqualification. It is essential, should an owner wish to deviate from the norm, that an interpretation of class rules be requested in writing from the Class Measurer prior to commencing work.
With the above in mind, the following comments and interpretations have been produced as guidance and they will be strictly observed:
It is the policy of the E5.9 Association to use (and interpret) the class rules to restrict the hull, mast, moulded and certain other standard components such as foils, bulb and sail plan, while allowing a certain freedom of finish, configuration, set-up and equipment - to ensure that all boats have the same potential speed.
Existing owners are also assured that we will be careful not to make the existing boats obsolete by the current build program. It is impossible to define completely every aspect of the craft (nor do we wish to) and thus any aspect deemed to be “not within the spirit of the class rules” may be cause for the refusal or withdrawal of a measurement certificate or for disqualification. It is essential, should an owner wish to deviate from the norm, that an interpretation of class rules be requested in writing from the Class Measurer prior to commencing work.
With the above in mind, the following comments and interpretations have been produced as guidance and they will be strictly observed:
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1. Keel fairing - Measurer Comments (June 2013)
Over the years many boats have addressed the trailing edge of the keel, generally in order to fair in the trailing edges that are oversize to allow for the wire that used to be part of the lifting mechanism. Other boats have expressed interest in fairing their keel. This does create a potential conflict whereby the rules state the keel should conform to the mould. We do not wish to create a disadvantage for some owners by banning this practice going forward. Therefore to address this issue and provide guidance to owners, the Class Measurer, Dave Cochran, has made an interpretation on what he will allow:
A. Owners may fair the Centre-boards (i.e. the keel fin above the lead bulb) between the trailing edge of the foil and the aft surface of the integral steel girder only. The intention is to allow improvements to be made to the trailing edge of the foil. The girder must remain - this sets up a profile for the chord.
B. Centre-boards that are faired in this manner must remain within the maximum width specified in the rules (i.e. 340mm plus or minus 5mm) and cannot contain any hollow surfaces (tested by placing a ruler on any surface of the fin).
C. This applies to all boats of any vintage and construction.
D. Local repairs to other areas of the fin are permitted.
E. Owners considering this work must discuss their project with the Class Measurer prior to commencing any work and it must be checked by the Measurer at the earliest opportunity upon completion.
F. Adhering to these guidelines (A-E) will not invalidate the measurement certificate.
Any formal change to the current rules will be considered and, if warranted, prepared for member vote in due course.
Over the years many boats have addressed the trailing edge of the keel, generally in order to fair in the trailing edges that are oversize to allow for the wire that used to be part of the lifting mechanism. Other boats have expressed interest in fairing their keel. This does create a potential conflict whereby the rules state the keel should conform to the mould. We do not wish to create a disadvantage for some owners by banning this practice going forward. Therefore to address this issue and provide guidance to owners, the Class Measurer, Dave Cochran, has made an interpretation on what he will allow:
A. Owners may fair the Centre-boards (i.e. the keel fin above the lead bulb) between the trailing edge of the foil and the aft surface of the integral steel girder only. The intention is to allow improvements to be made to the trailing edge of the foil. The girder must remain - this sets up a profile for the chord.
B. Centre-boards that are faired in this manner must remain within the maximum width specified in the rules (i.e. 340mm plus or minus 5mm) and cannot contain any hollow surfaces (tested by placing a ruler on any surface of the fin).
C. This applies to all boats of any vintage and construction.
D. Local repairs to other areas of the fin are permitted.
E. Owners considering this work must discuss their project with the Class Measurer prior to commencing any work and it must be checked by the Measurer at the earliest opportunity upon completion.
F. Adhering to these guidelines (A-E) will not invalidate the measurement certificate.
Any formal change to the current rules will be considered and, if warranted, prepared for member vote in due course.
Black Bands - Measurer Comments (June 2013)
With all the activity in the class Dave asked us has to remind E5.9 sailors that all spars (masts and booms) should have black bands permanently marked on the spar and that when racing sails must not be set in a way that projects beyond the black bands (n particular rules 9 and 11 apply). Sail measurement will use the ISAF guidelines which means that any headboards and clew patches will be taken into account when establishing the extremities of the sails - also refer diagrams Appendix 1. Dave has commented that it is his intention to apply more scrutiny to these issues in future.
With all the activity in the class Dave asked us has to remind E5.9 sailors that all spars (masts and booms) should have black bands permanently marked on the spar and that when racing sails must not be set in a way that projects beyond the black bands (n particular rules 9 and 11 apply). Sail measurement will use the ISAF guidelines which means that any headboards and clew patches will be taken into account when establishing the extremities of the sails - also refer diagrams Appendix 1. Dave has commented that it is his intention to apply more scrutiny to these issues in future.
Adjustable Mast Bases - Measurer Comments (17 May 2014)
Owners are reminded that the E5.9 Class rules currently prohibit some devices designed to affect mast bend (refer Rule 10.4 which states "Other than rigging screws, no rigging or fittings shall be attached to the mast or used for the purpose of controlling or adjusting the bend of the mast or the tension of the shrouds."). Some recently developed devices, such as some mast bases and tabernacle fittings may not be considered to meet rule 10.4. One test will be if they are able to be adjusted while sailing - i.e. once afloat for the day. Although the Association invites discussion on this issue, it is clear that such devices are unlikely to pass measurement under current rules.
The base in the picture when configured as shown has been ruled legal as it cannot be adjusted with the mast stepped..
Owners are reminded that the E5.9 Class rules currently prohibit some devices designed to affect mast bend (refer Rule 10.4 which states "Other than rigging screws, no rigging or fittings shall be attached to the mast or used for the purpose of controlling or adjusting the bend of the mast or the tension of the shrouds."). Some recently developed devices, such as some mast bases and tabernacle fittings may not be considered to meet rule 10.4. One test will be if they are able to be adjusted while sailing - i.e. once afloat for the day. Although the Association invites discussion on this issue, it is clear that such devices are unlikely to pass measurement under current rules.
The base in the picture when configured as shown has been ruled legal as it cannot be adjusted with the mast stepped..
Keel Weight - Background and Guidance for Owners - 1 June 2015
The latest update of the class rules (1/6/15 - see link at top of page) now includes a maximum keel weight. The Measurer understands the difficulty in measuring this in the short term for each boat, and therefore will be offering a dispensation for a time period for those boats that have not yet been measured.
Our intention is to have all boats weighed soon to ensure everyone complies. Owners are encouraged to make their own arrangements if possible, ideally for several boats at a time and the Association will support this as much as possible (e.g. we can provide lifting gear and advice). It is important that boats are lifted safely and that weights are independently verified.
In addition it is our intention to facilitate one or more weighing sessions over the new few months with a view to have all keels weighed prior to our last Traveler series regatta in September.
It will be a requirement for competing in the National Championships to have a verified keel weight and meet all other requirements.
Most boats have keels under the new maximum weight and we anticipate owners may wish to increase their keel weight up to the maximum. Due to historical practice dating back to the class origins, we will allow this but it must be done under Measurer supervision. Please note the following guidance:
1. We will allow owners to bring their keels up to maximum weight and/or their boats up to minimum weight by adding lead inside the keel girder of the fin where possible. This could take the form of lead shot or molten lead (but see Note 1 below*).
2. Keel weights may not be increased above the maximum weight (270kg - including the top plate).
3. This is considered a significant modification, and will invalidate the Measurement Certificate. The boat and keel must then each be re-weighed before a new Certificate can be issued and the boat can compete in Class Racing.
4. Owners who are considering this or any other action designed to add or reduce the weight of the keel (for example where the girder cannot be accessed) or boat MUST consult with, and get approval from, the Measurer PRIOR to taking any action.
5. Owners MUST also adhere to the Measurer instructions when undertaking such work.
6. Only once a boat that has been modified along the lines of 1-4 above has been reweighed, and a certificate issued, may pre-existing Corrector Weights be altered or removed for racing.
Note 1*: The Association will continue to monitor keel weights as boats are weighed and it is possible a lower maximum keel weight may be introduced in future. Therefore owners who make adjustments to their keel weight should bear this in mind when choosing how to do so.
The latest update of the class rules (1/6/15 - see link at top of page) now includes a maximum keel weight. The Measurer understands the difficulty in measuring this in the short term for each boat, and therefore will be offering a dispensation for a time period for those boats that have not yet been measured.
Our intention is to have all boats weighed soon to ensure everyone complies. Owners are encouraged to make their own arrangements if possible, ideally for several boats at a time and the Association will support this as much as possible (e.g. we can provide lifting gear and advice). It is important that boats are lifted safely and that weights are independently verified.
In addition it is our intention to facilitate one or more weighing sessions over the new few months with a view to have all keels weighed prior to our last Traveler series regatta in September.
It will be a requirement for competing in the National Championships to have a verified keel weight and meet all other requirements.
Most boats have keels under the new maximum weight and we anticipate owners may wish to increase their keel weight up to the maximum. Due to historical practice dating back to the class origins, we will allow this but it must be done under Measurer supervision. Please note the following guidance:
1. We will allow owners to bring their keels up to maximum weight and/or their boats up to minimum weight by adding lead inside the keel girder of the fin where possible. This could take the form of lead shot or molten lead (but see Note 1 below*).
2. Keel weights may not be increased above the maximum weight (270kg - including the top plate).
3. This is considered a significant modification, and will invalidate the Measurement Certificate. The boat and keel must then each be re-weighed before a new Certificate can be issued and the boat can compete in Class Racing.
4. Owners who are considering this or any other action designed to add or reduce the weight of the keel (for example where the girder cannot be accessed) or boat MUST consult with, and get approval from, the Measurer PRIOR to taking any action.
5. Owners MUST also adhere to the Measurer instructions when undertaking such work.
6. Only once a boat that has been modified along the lines of 1-4 above has been reweighed, and a certificate issued, may pre-existing Corrector Weights be altered or removed for racing.
Note 1*: The Association will continue to monitor keel weights as boats are weighed and it is possible a lower maximum keel weight may be introduced in future. Therefore owners who make adjustments to their keel weight should bear this in mind when choosing how to do so.
Bow numbers for Class Racing.
All boats must supply and display clearly visible two digit bow numbers with a minimum height of 350mm. The numbers to be used by each boat are those approved by the E5.9 Class Association and will generally be the last 2 digits of the sail number – e.g. “00”. In case of duplicates or by special request the Association will approve a special number allocation. Bow numbers must be positioned within 1 metre of the bow, on the port and starboard sides of the hull, above the waterline. IMPORTANT: Please contact the Association to request your number before you order any bow numbers.
All boats must supply and display clearly visible two digit bow numbers with a minimum height of 350mm. The numbers to be used by each boat are those approved by the E5.9 Class Association and will generally be the last 2 digits of the sail number – e.g. “00”. In case of duplicates or by special request the Association will approve a special number allocation. Bow numbers must be positioned within 1 metre of the bow, on the port and starboard sides of the hull, above the waterline. IMPORTANT: Please contact the Association to request your number before you order any bow numbers.
