Anyone have the latest on the no hook trap systems? Haven't heard much about them recently, although I seem to remember an article Mary did in CatSailor trying to interpret if new rules were sanctioning this type of system over the traditional ones (can't find it, however).

I currently use a Windsurfer spreader bar with the J&H Style (can't miss) handles. The windsurfer spreader bar has a wider hook, and not as deep.

This is the rule directly from the Racing Rules of Sailing - 2005-2008:

"40.2 A trapeze or hiking harness shall have a device that can quickly
release the competitor from the boat at any time while in use.
Note: This rule takes effect on 1 January 2006."

At this point, I have yet to see any trapeze system marketed that has such a system. The ball / socket systems are not "quick release."

Looks like everybody's going to be buying something in the next year - we just don't know what yet.

By the wording, I would say the standard hook and ring systems would be legal. There is nothing stated that prohibits them and they "allow you to quickly release from the boat". Just pull the ring from the hook. I "think" I understand their intent, but the rule is to vague to prohibit the existing systems most use.

Thanks, Matt & Matt. Will keep an eye on what develops.

I agree with Matt Miller. With the current wording of the proposed new rule, the hook-and-ring system currently used by most cat sailors sounds like it is exactly what they are mandating --"capable of quickly releasing the competitor from the boat at all times while in use."

In fact, sometimes it works too well -- I have been quickly released from the boat a few times when I did not even want to be.