New Draft rule

Using the results of the last couple of weeks voting and discussion I've drafted this.

Thoughts?

Luiz has sent me some wording tweeks (thankyou), however, I'll wait to hear from others before making changes (so I don't have to do it too many times).

The only thing I have an issue with is the 30 liter volume, thats about 50% higher than my round bilge design and as I just secured a builder for it, I'd like that to continue.
You might want to amend the 6m black band rule on the mast as it can't be seen with a pocket luff sail.
Cheers
RG

In order to keep a 50+ kg boat from sinking when flooded, it is necessary to have slightly more than 50+ liters in any type of safe emergency flotation volume.
Would the Vudu design be compliant with "10% more flotation volume when flooded than the actual ready to sail displacement"?

RG the foam requirement isn't new, its been in every draft set of rules published including Wouter's originals. Could you not add some foam in a bag like the F18s do?



Proposed alternate wording or rule?

It looks good, I wote for it.

ooops....sorry...missed a "0" in that...disregard the previous post. (was half asleep late at night)

Billy wasn't intending to have a hatch cover....and it would be difficult to fit as we only have half a deck width to fit it to with the bevelled deck design....why is it necessary to have that in the rule ?

From memory the hatch cover was a cut and paste from F16 rule. I'm happy to delete.

we may put a inspection port in anyway so no problem with that for the vudu in nz
bill

Ncik's post from home building thread.

Yeah...I think that needs a rewording.

Is the intent also to allow the hull construction foam as part of the positive flotation? My F16 conforms to its requirements with just the hulls foam (no dedicated positive flotation foam). I have no problem with it being counted towards the positive flotation volume.

I do have some concerns about allowing a single air bag in each hull for positive flotation. My intention isn't to complicate the existing rules, but without appropriate securing of multiple air bags, one air bag may be rendered completely useless during a collision.

So you can inspect the hull on the inside and check for the required flotation.

Wouter

I'm largely in favour of these rules; but I have comments on the following points

section 1.4.3

I would remove the identifiers "halyard lock" or "shackle" and replace them with something alot more general. Actually, sleeved sails use neither a halyard nor a shackle to secure the sail to the top. Pretty popular now is a ribbon cross that forms a small cup and a single line. The mast top is of significant length (say 200-300 mm) in order to keep the sleeve tight at the top and allow the sail to twist easily around the mast. I can put pics on if people don't understand what is meant here. Interestingly enough this setup would allow an upper black band to be visible again.

Basically I would reword this rule so that no part of the sail may be beyond the upper band with the exception of those parts that function ONLY as a means to secure the sail to the compliant position. Of course any real sailarea will have a double function and be non-compliant.

With sleeved sails that just close the top of the sleeve by stitching we can simply require that the top of the mast or the upper black band is no further away from the top of the main beam then 6.00 mtr, which ever is lowest.

Personally I strongly prefer a max luff length measurement as well, mostly because this rule is alot more difficult to break then a black band rule. Afterall, my unstayed mast will be collapsable and it is a 5 euro and 5 minute job to replace the top section with a slightly longer one after getting a measurement certificate. Replacing the sail (with a stamp and signiture) is alot harder and more expensive. With a max luff length the mast black band distance is also implecitly fixed.


Point 1.5.1 Inspection hatches.

To retired geek etc. Marstrom and the F14 builder fit inspection hatches to their sterns which are always flat panels as it will be pretty hard to align the rudder pintles on a curved panel. So this may be the solution to you guys.


Point 1.10.2 For sleeved sails Area = A + As

Firstly I would write down " For sleeved sails; Total area = A + As" and thus refer directly back to the basic rule which is "Total area may not be greater then 7.0 sq. mtr."

Secondly, we must define A properly. Currently it can be argued that the sleeve area must be included twice as who is to say that the "actual area" of a sleeved sail doesn't include the sleeve already ? Also do we included the area of the sail that is inside the mast track or inside the sleeve ? If not then we must exlcude those from the actual area as well. Remember, when things get competitive we can expect some sea lawer to comb the rules for an advantage. Remember the protest at the F18 worlds two years ago about every one being protested for having the compliant peddles on boards ? We better make sure the rules are already as well worded as possible from the start to avoid troubles later.



I would also include organistional rules, event rules and a definitions section to the F12 class rules and make the boxrule section an individual section. These don't have to be as elaborate the versions with the F18 or F16 rules but I still think we should have them. Again to avoid ourselves difficult discussions later.

A point in case. In rule 1.1.1 we refer to the spirit of the rule but we don't really define what this spirit is. We do a little bit of that in the Prologue but it is wise to consider defining a few well worded goals/spirits that can be used as a checklist. Something like.

The spirit of the F12 rule is to

-1- Limit the overall performance of all F12 craft to such similar level that first-in-wins course racing is fair irrespectibally of the craft used by a particular crew.

-2- Have all crews have acces to any F12 design (given reasonable costs) that is most capable of wining a course race if ever a significant difference between makes is ever encountered.

Etc


I may spot more points later.

Wouter

Makes sense to me.




I like stern hatches because one can see the entire inside from there, not only the vicinity of the hatch. All Supercats/ARCs have stern hatches. I used them in my floats for the same reason - and because they are usefull for construction in two halves.





Although I still dream of a one design class, it seems that we have a mini A class in our hands. We need not re-invent the wheel: just adapt the A-Class rules to the F12.




The right wording is of utmost importance here. This point deserves our atention.

I think that it's very important to get the basic rules on paper NOW-NOW.
There is already too much my design have that and that, and it will become worse with more designers joining the club.
Can we not agree on the draft Scarecrow made, and the rest we let until the the control is handed over to a specific group?

I agree with your first point but lets give it a good work over here and now. When the little loopholes and inconsistances are to be worked out by a group of owners then we'll be in for a huge amount of discussions and arguing. Right now the discussion group is still small and sufficiently focussed.

Wouter

The A-class has actually one of the worst rulesets in the catamaran scene from a class stability and low-participation-cost perspective. Two pitfalls we really want to avoid in the F12 class.

It has only somewhat stabilized in the last 10 years because after 30-40 years of repeative development and significant changes to the boat the concept has found a balance that is hard to improve upon. Do we really want to see the F12 take 3 to 4 decades to find its place ?

Wouter

No problem, let's find the most appropriate and easily adjustable rules available. It is easier to improve existing rules than to start from scratch. Then we can add the best parts to Scarecrows text.

From the moment the first draft became available, it already was THE F12 rule, even if under discussion. Remember that after the text is agreed on, it will necessarily remain provisory until the by-laws or statutes are made official.

I suggest the reading of the following rules before deciding if one of them can be used as first draft or if we should improve the existing F12 rules.

A Class: http://home.planet.nl/~dwars000/id20.htm

Wave: http://www.catsailor.com/waves/wave_const.html

F16: http://www.geocities.com/f16hpclass/F16HP_class_rules.html

F18: .pdf]http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/F18_2007_Class_Rules-[5051].pdf

Tornado: .pdf]http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/2...0208-[5103].pdf

Open 60: .pdf]http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/60MT_2004_CR-[859].pdf

Correct address for F16 rules:

http://www.formula16.org/content/view/14/35/lang,en/

It seems that we killed the discussion once again by doing the things far to serious...
Still the F12 is for having fun, and most of the cats will be uswed to play around in the clubs like the Opti. Let's keep it at that, we make the rules simple. To hell with the winners, they don't play fair game anymore.
So, the A-class rules seems simple to me...

3rd draft is on its way, but I'm rather busy so may take some time. Don't worry Gato, there is another boat about to start in your backyard.

I feel I've had my say Gato so now its just a matter of locking in the rules so people know what theyre building.
regards

Have you read the Opti rules? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> They are crazy complicated, right down to construction laminate details. Sometimes the simplest rules create the most complicated classes and the goal of a simple class requires the most complicated rules.

On that note, may I suggest another possible addition to the rules. A clause along the lines of "If it is not stated in these rules it is allowed/disallowed."

The initial Optimist rules were simple and lasted for decades. They were rewritten with a high degree of detail when it became the (very strict) "International One Design Optimist". The text is strict because parents are compulsive when it comes to buying speed for their kids.

Today's F12 is a box rule, so there's no need to complicate anything and the rules can be very simple. Still, we should learn from the Optimist and try to eliminate possible loopholes. In view of this I prefer the suggested clause to be restrictive: "If it is not stated in these rules it is not allowed".

Does anyone want to volunteer for the re-write? I'm happy to email the word document.

I think we have made valuable headway with the current draft and I hate to see all that be thrown away by looking at another ruleset like the A-class. We have already progressed beyond the point where the A-class is in the way of class rules and in my opinion that is a good thing.

I would volunteer to do the draft writing Scarecrow, but we know what happened the last 3 times when I was responsible for that. The biggest advantage you provide is that no-one has a fixed mind about yout persona yet and that is huge benefit at this time. However, if help is much needed then I can do some ghost writing for you.

Wouter

Wouter its on its way. There is no need for people to get emotional. I believe if you leave the content but fix the wording everyone will be happy.

Alright !

Personally, I really like this F12 setup (and always have, since 2002) and I think it is a real pitty that I simply don't have any spare resources like money that I can invest in it. I got some spare time though so that'll invest !

Wouter

It's about one month since last, any news?

Wouter said he'd finalise it and I sent the draft to him.....

If its not done soon I'll have to make time to get it done.

Any news? I can help if necessary.

It would be really goog if we could get it done. Still there is not so long to wait now before we will have reached the number of ten...

Very soon, indeed. My daughter wants one. When will the Chinese Vudu become available?

Still, it doesn't hurt to have an initial rule to start with.

Exactly Luiz, and that was the reason why I was in favour for a simple set of rules to start with. There are people around here too who starts to ask difficult questions, like where you can buy one of these cool cats. One feels a little bit stupid telling them there is no such cat to buy, in fact it’s not really decided yet what they should comply to.

I got a little miffed last time I was (again) told to shut up. I haven't visited this forum since; must be 4 to 5 weeks indeed.

I confirm that Scarecrow had send me the word file and indeed, I was fully intent on working a set out and present it to you all within days. Then I got the "advice" described above in a thread that was dealing with a rule misconception. That pretty much tipped the scales for me. A guy started mouthing off about a rule change that was completely in error (he didn't read up on the progress so far) and I was told to shut up for pointing that out.

I needed only seconds to analyse the situation. For an effective class we need a more strict ruleset then the usual suspects on this forum are willing to accept or even discuss. When I point that out I get the usual abuse that many are so fond of dispensing. So, I'm insufficiently skilled to achieve succes in any other way and I don't really need anybody dissing me personally for their own failings. I'm sorry, but you can all go to hell if that is the only choice before me.

No, I don't need more then an evening to get a good F12 ruleset proposal, one that will be well balanced and provide a good foundation to base a potential succes on. That is not in any way the problem. The problem lies in the fact that I really don't feel much like having it put through the irrational wringer that is the F12 forum. I can predict what can happen already. Some Aussie will claim for the 10th time that the mossies are below 50 kg and ask why the smaller F12's will be heavier. When explained he will totally ignore the given explanation that platform weight is NOT the same as ready to sail weight and bitch that he still wants the craft to be lighter then a given weight that has no further association with what is really proposed. If I want to waste my time then I'll go and play some computer game and feel good afterwards for beating the computer !


Now what I can offer you all is a balanced ruleset that revolves around the following concepts :

Equalize drag and equalized drive through abstract rules that do not limit designers freedom in a severe way. No rules on details or materials. There will be a rule that limits the F12 to using only ONE sail in the rig without specifying its shape other then setting a max luff length and mast mast length (sail hoist height).

Balance the ruleset such that the same craft can be succesfully used by the older kids, teenagers and light to medium parents (1-up) and will be light and inexpensive.

It will not be a A-cat like open ruleset of only 4 rules, that will in my opinion only lead to a mini A-cat class that will be less performant but still cost almost the same. There is no market demand for such a class as the F14 project has shown. I will not provide such a class ruleset when asked, somebody else can burn his fingers on that, but I won't.


I too sick and tired of all the BS, bitching and other monkey behaviour to consider giving this class more then a single chance and this is it.

If you guys can find a concensus on the above principles and still want my help then I can present a good F12 rulebase within 24 hours. If not then please don't ever contact me again regarding your F12 class.

I will not came back reading these posts and you can all work it out yourselves. If you guys still want to make use of what I can offer then mail me at wouterhijink(AT)hotmail.com and I will deliver.

It is a selfprotection thing.

Regards,

Wouter

Well, that clarified a lot. How do we proceed? Maybe Scarecrow and Luiz can knock something together? I know that you are busy, I can help, but I’m not much of a rule maker.

I read the following message:



I believe Wouter can write a very good set of rules for the class. He's been in this from the begining, has previous experience writing this stuff and his not-so-kind composition style and bilateral arguments, although unpleasant, have nothing to do with the F12 class.

This is not a kindness contest: we are looking for a good set of rules, he already has them drafted in his head and offered to write them for us.

My vote is to take his offer, get done with it and follow to the next step. We still need to struggle with the by-laws.

Stop being a primma donna Wouter, I had my say on what I thought, you gave it back to me in your usual style and someone else told you to shut up. No one gave you half as much as you give others. I shut up so that rules can be locked in and you can either do as you offered or wash your hands of the project AGAIN. If you dont want to do it Wouter I will do it so send them to me and I will modify the A Class rules to suit within 2 weeks.

Wouter,

I have had a good read of the F12 forum, cannot see where the Mozzie at 50kg was mentioned, Arrow and AC are used as comparisons often, perhaps you are confusing this topic with a question I asked on the F16 forum? Mozzies come in around 85kg on the water, for the 11th time <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Darryn
Mozzie
1782

Jeff,
In SA we are so far away from the rest of the sailing world that you might as well do it exactly the way you want to.

Darryn

Let's for once do it without Wouter, he has a lot of good qualities, but there is nothing constructive in a discussion like the one going on here for the moment.

Darryn it doesnt much matter what the first rules are based on as long as we lock in the basics already agreed on. The rules as agreed say that as soon as theres enough boats on the water there can be votes on changes to the rules but won't discriminate against existing boats. I've got time on my hands for the next 2 weeks so if Scarecrow gets the draft rules to me I'll do it and if Wouter decides to do it the class can adopt which ever one is prefered in two weeks time.
regards

Jeff,

I've just gotten out of hospital after almost two weeks, and I'm over 1000km from my office with a stict no-fly ban until friday.

I'll email the files on monday.

SC

Very happy to have you back again, started to be scared, things have been so quiet.

Hope your getting better, I'll get on to it as soon as the files come through
regards

I wish you excellent recovery Scarecrow !

Wouter

Thanks for the thoughts guys,

I went away for 4 days to visit family and ended up in emergency with pneumonia, two hospitals and two week later I'm finally home, now I just need to remember how to breath and find a way to meet all the deadlines that have slipped while I've been away.

Word is that the Catholic World Youth Day in Sydney a few months ago introduced a lot of new virus strains into Australia and cases of pneumonia and similar have gone through the roof since.

Okay I've never had a go at this sort of thing before so here is my draft of the rules have a look, post your opinion here on the forum so that any proposed changes can be debated rules to be locked in
8pm 12th day of October 2008.
Keep in mind this set of rules can be changed anytime as per the rules so this is just to get things going.
If you can do better do it <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.
regards


F12 CLASS CATAMARAN MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES

Prologue: The Formula 12 class
The Formula 12 catamaran exists with the sole purpose of introducing young, novice and disabled sailors to the thrills of sailing high performance catamarans. With this in mind the following rules endeavor to outline a cost effective, safe and enjoyable class of sailing boat that can also be used for close racing across a range of designs.

The Formula 12 Design Box Rule
1. In case of doubt, the intention of the rule makers, which is referred to as the spirit of the rule, shall take precedence over the letter of the rule. For construction, all materials and methods are allowed when these do not imply either an unacceptable risk of bodily harm or the operation of an unseaworthy craft. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure their craft are safe and seaworthy.

2. A catamaran is defined as a two-hulled sailing boat with essentially duplicate or mirror image hulls, fixed in parallel positions.

3. Sail area shall not be more than: 7.00 square metres. There is no restriction on how sail area is distributed. Where a sleeved main sail is not used, half the mast area shall be included in the total sail area. “The girth measurement shall be taken as the distance from the centreline round the surface of the spar to the same point on the centreline. The resultant dimension shall be divided by two to give the half girth measurement.”
Boom measurement is only included in the sail area if the profile height of the boom is more than 1.5 of the width and shall be taken as per mast measurement.
When undertaking the sail measurement the following points should be noted.
Sail to be measured on a flat surface and laid out in terms of IYRU Measurement & Calculation of Sail Area Instructions. i.e.
“With battens set in their pockets the sail shall be pegged out on a flat surface with just sufficient tension to remove waves or wrinkles from the edge rounds and to spread the sail, as far as possible, substantially flat. Once the sail has been pegged out in this way all the required measurements shall be taken and no alterations to the tensions shall be made.”

4. Mast construction and rigging shall be un-restricted.
A contrasting measurement band shall be located on the mast no higher than 6metres above the top of the front beam. At no time shall any part of the main sail with the exception of a halyard lock or shackle be located above this measurement band.

5. The overall length of the catamaran shall not be more than: 3.80 metres.
The length shall be measured between perpendiculars to the extremities of the hulls with
the catamaran in her normal trim. The measurement shall be taken parallel to the centre
line of the craft and shall exclude rudder hangings, but if the athwartships width of a
rudder within 153mm (6 inches) of the bottom of the hull is more than 76mm (3 inches), the length shall be taken to the aftermost point of the rudder.


6. The extreme beam width shall not be more than: 2.00 metres
The beam shall be measured at right angles to the centre line of the craft at the widest point and including all fixed or adjustable apparatus with the exception of a normally accepted trapeze or retractable seat, this may be at some point down the sides of the hulls, especially if hulls are angled. It may also be possible that the maximum width is at the bottom of centreboards when fully down.

7. Unballasted retractable seat or trapeze shall be allowed for the helmsperson. When in use the helmsperson at all times shall have at least one foot in contact with the boat.

8. Each hull shall have at least one inspection hatch.

9. Each hull shall carry at least 30 litres of flotation, which may be provided by solid closed cell foam, solid blocks of compacted foam granulate, air bags or sealed air compartments.

10. The platform shall be equipped with a pair of rudders.

11. In addition to the rudders, the platform may also be equipped with one or more daggerboards or centerboards.

12. It is not permitted to adjust the following items while racing: the rake of the mast, the tension of the standing rigging, the angle or length of the spreaders (if fitted).

13. It is the responsibility of the crew to ensure that the boat is equipped with a righting system that will enable the crew to right the boat without any outside assistance.

14. The Formula 12 Class authority may demand that a crew demonstrate their ability to right their boat, but only at a time when doing so does not directly affect the fairness of racing.

15. There will be no other restrictions on crew weight apart from the requirement that the crew weight must be sufficient to right the boat unaided under all encountered sailing conditions.

16. The F12 Division emblem shall be carried on the mainsail over national letters and sail numbers, Sail numbers shall be allotted by the Class Association.

17. Hydrofoils are not permitted.

18. Minimum weight in full sailing trim shall be not less than 50 kilograms. The boat must be weighed in a dry condition and any weights attached to bring the boat to a minimum weight of 50 kilograms must be permanently affixed.

Class administration
19.1. Voting rights
The following people area each entitled to one vote on class matters.
o Designers who have provided a free design of a F12 for others of which at least one has been built.
o Builders who have built at least one boat ready to sail.
o Owners of a ready to sail F12 cat
19.2.a Changing of rules
A change to these rules requires affirmative votes from 2/3 of all people entitled to vote at the time of the poll.
19.2.b Rule changes may not preclude from competition or grandfather currently sailed F12 catamarans.
19.3. Applicability of rules
These rules exist as a draft only until being ratified or changed by vote after the launch of the 10th Formula 12 catamaran.
19.4.a. Governing body
Initially the Formula 12 catamaran class shall be run with all those entitles to vote having equal voting rights. Upon the launch and measurement of the 49th vessel the class association may with a 2/3 majority vote choose to implement a governing council which will be empowered to handle the general running of the class.
19.4.b. Where a governing council is adopted they may not make changes to the measurement box rule or voting structure, with out first receiving 2/3 majority support for any changes.

Notes

4. Pocket luff sails will extend beyond the top of the mast, hence above the measurement band.

7. I thought trapezes (or seats) were not part of the intention of the F12. I don't think they sit well with the philosophy of the F12. Safety is also a concern for solo kids getting trapeze hooks stuck if under the tramp. I also don't believe they are necessary for performance.

17. I agree that hydrofoils should be banned. However I think a blanket statement as such is poor wording. We've seen so much debate about the definition of hydrofoils and their banning in the A-Class. I won't go into all the problems associated with it. This can be avoided with a requirement for one hull to be providing buoyancy in all typical sailing conditions, ie. one hull in the water at all times while racing.

If that is considered too tricky, an alternative requirement for "straight" blades fitted "vertically" may be appropriate.

Otherwise I would vote for the proposed rules.

Good work Jeff.

Do think it is too early to build one for my sons, they are 2 1/2 and 10 months.

The oldest own is pretty excited about sailing on the F16. 1-4 knots ans 29degrees C has been forecast for our clubs opening day this saturday, might be the perfect day for him.

Jeff, excellent work, nice and simple without all the wordy stuff in the original rule Wouter proposed.
Like ncik noted, allowance for the top strap of a pocket luff sail or a fully enclosed pocket, Traps I don't mind, but might be an issue with really young kids till they get the hang of it, and the hydrofoil issue can be dealt with as ncik suggested with straight blades and mounted vertically to the hull center line (this allows for canted hulls)

Cheers
RG

Nice work!!! For the traps I agree with ncik. For a start they should not be allowed when racing, we can add them later if they becomes something used by the kids sailing and racing with the cat.
But traps or not you have my vote.

Good job Jeff, I'm happy with the tweeks proposed above. I'm on the fence on traps. I started trapping at about 6 and competed in a hobie 18 nationals at 12 so I know from experiance kids can do it. However I wonder if they will scare some parents away.

Whats the correct wording regarding the pocket luffs extending past the mast band?
I'm putting a trap and jib on mine but I can take them off if the kids race in a F12 comp so I dont mind banning them in the racing rules. I personally think that kids want an exciting boat why not have a trap if they've already been using one for the last 3 years on a mono. My 8yo has a cat with a trap, are we saying that a 11yo kid that is a good sailor looking for excitement should get a different boat. The seat wasn't about performance I felt that this is an interesting platform for disadvantaged sailors, I cant imagine a seat or wing being used but why ban it.
We can addopt the one hull in the water wording.
I'll happily go along with whatever everyboady wants lets just lock in some rules <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.
regards

You posted while I was typing Scarecrow glad your back in the land of the living. As I said in the early post I'll go along with whatever everyone wants in the rules. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
regards

Would it be possible to ammend this to allow for a single central rudder, I beleive this was in previous drafts. It also sits better with rule 11 that allows "one or more daggerboards or centerboards."

Thanks

Gareth

I nearly put in the wording a maximum of 2 rudders and I think its a great idea
regards

Its been pointed out to me that we need to list the F12 designs that can vote on the rules as the way its written anybody with an established cat smaller than the F12 max dimensions can vote so the dedicated F12 designs would have no say. Can we please have a current list of builders and designs and can anybody put together the correct words that includes the ability to add new designs as they come along
regards

Rewording for Rule 4

4. Mast construction and rigging shall be un-restricted.
A contrasting measurement band shall be located on the mast no higher than 6metres above the top of the front beam. At no time shall any part of the main sail with the exception of a halyard lock, shackle or pocket luff sail cap be located above this measurement band.

Some sketches of each of these conditions may be appropriate.

Thinking about it some more, for junior boats I really like the idea of being able to drop the sails with the boat and mast upright for safety reasons. Should shackled or pocket luff sails be allowed with this consideration. Having sailed a pocket luffed moth and knowing how difficult it is to be rescued with the mast still up, I am very tempted to have a clause to cover this.

Reword for Rule 7

7. Unballasted retractable seat or trapeze shall be allowed for the forward hand when two-up or adult skippers when solo only. Solo junior (under 13) skippers cannot use a trapeze for F12 competition.

I think this covers most ppls point of view, the wording needs some work though. The risk of a solo junior getting into trouble is reduced, 2-up juniors can have a single trapeze for fun and adults can do whatever they want. The age can be moved around if desired.

Another idea is that juniors (under 13 or similar) must race 2-up. Again this is a safety related issue.

Sorry for bringing up so many new ideas, most of them are being stolen from the Sabot, an Australian junior class.

Rewording of Rule 17

17. Hydrofoils are not permitted. Atleast one hull shall be in the water while sailing. To this end, centreboards and rudders are to be essentially straight with a maximum camber (top to bottom) of no more than 25mm. They are to be essentially vertical with the distance between the bottom of the boards, when both are deployed, within 100mm of the distance between the top of the boards in the same position.

Diagrams required.

A bit wordy but should avoid any confusion.

Makes sense to me. Maybe: "pocket luffs are allowed if the sail can be lowered at sea without removing the mast."

I'm against the trapeze. It makes unstayed rigs slow (not competitive), the boat becomes more expensive, everything bcomes more complex and difficult, kids can get tangled...

For the standard F12 class KISS is better. Adults may add a trapeze, jib, kite, hydrofoils and sail just for fun.

Thats what I needed, the proper wording for each point. I don't think we can make lowering the sail at sea mandatory because it rules out the sleeved sail unstayed versions already planned.
regards

I don't have a problem with unstayed pocket luff rigs, only stayed pocket luff rigs like moths and mainsails that can't be dropped with the boat upright. So long as the kid or a rescuer can drop the sail easily.

Only other consideration with unstayed rigs is that there is a device to keep the rig in the socket during capsizes. A simple rope and sister clip arrangement would be enough. Not sure if this should be in the rules, maybe a separate clause is needed to cover these safety issues.

Safety - Sails must be able to be dropped easily in all conditions while on the water, mast must be attached to the boat, etc.

Just a little history for those wondering where this stuff is coming from, I used to umpire junior teams racing and being able to drop the sails in ALL conditions while on the water was a necessity.

That's a valid point, allowing trapezes and unstayed rigs conflict with each other. Sure you can put a trapeze on the unstayed rig but it would be nasty or require a very big stiff mast.

Along with this is that installing pocket luffs and trapeze connections is a hassle from a rigging point of view. From a rescue point of view I don't want to contemplate pulling the main down on a stayed pocket luff rig with trapeze wires on the water in 25 knots and some chop.

Sure it can be done and performance may be increased slightly, but is it worth it at the cost of some basic safety measures?

We can exclude traps and seats unless someone else pipes up in support of them.
regards

RG my understanding is that the kiwis intend on fitting them. Is this the case?

Traps and seats were not intended from the start, so we can exclude them.
The pocket luff sail was I think intended for the unstayed rig where the sail can windwane can we keep it at that

As the sailmakers here seem reluctant to make pocket luff sails, Billy has already decided to change to a sail with a boltrope and Im not hung up on having a pocket luff sail.
Sent out an email to those who have paid for designs asking if they were happy with this and all who have replied with the exception of the Chinese will go with it. While I wouldn't like to lose the Chinese boats, I think we should just outlaw the pocket luff on a stayed rig in the interests of safety. Traps I see no reason to outlaw, and all the kids I've talked to want it, period.
cheers
RG

So, pocket luff ok on unstayed rigs.
Shall we have traps from the start or later, I have the feeling they will come soner or later anyway.

I have no problem with traps for the older kids or for the crew in 2-up mode. Although it practically rules out unstayed masts.

The traps will not make this cat any faster . It can be sailed in almost all conditions without them even by a child of 35kg with the 7m2 sail.

This is good to know.

Note that if the F12 racing rules exclude the trapeze, it does not mean that one can't be fitted on some boats for fun or club racing (for instance). We have our own special local rules here for club racing. This also covers a jib, kite, hydrofoils and any other innovation.

I just think it is prudent to keep the INITIAL F12 configuration as simple and cheap as possible.

Home builders will certainly try modifications of all types. If a given modification becomes popular, the class can certainly add it to the class rules later.

By the way: I will probably install a trapeze, kite and hydrofoils on my daughter's boat just for fun...

Still, for the class I consider more prudent to adopt the simplest and cheapest configuration possible to foster growth.

When my daughter decides to compete, all she has to do is revert to the basic configuration. No big deal.

I agree with Luiz. We can always make a F12HP for the older kids (dads) later.

I agree.

Third

LOL....already designed mine, will post some pics later
cheers
RG

It would maybe be good to keep those pics as a teaser and only show them when we have finished the draft for the rules... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I was going to keep my trap shut until I actually got mine at least to the hull built stage. But I'm with RG and some others on this.

One of the main attractions to this class is that it has to be heaps of fun. In my own opinion, to exclude the traps, would be taking away a fair chunk of fun.

I realise its been said that they could possibly be added later, but do you really want to stuff around with it later? If your design includes them, have them, if it doesn't, don't. Banning them or restricting them at this stage, when designers or builders have already committed to their design, I think its too late for such a rule.

The ship has sailed, so to speak.

Heres my latest offering

F12 CLASS CATAMARAN MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES

Prologue: The Formula 12 class
The Formula 12 catamaran exists with the sole purpose of introducing young, novice and disabled sailors to the thrills of sailing high performance catamarans. With this in mind the following rules endeavor to outline a cost effective, safe and enjoyable class of sailing boat that can also be used for close racing across a range of designs.

The Formula 12 Design Box Rule
1. In case of doubt, the intention of the rule makers, which is referred to as the spirit of the rule, shall take precedence over the letter of the rule. For construction, all materials and methods are allowed when these do not imply either an unacceptable risk of bodily harm or the operation of an unseaworthy craft. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure their craft are safe and seaworthy.

2. A catamaran is defined as a two-hulled sailing boat with essentially duplicate or mirror image hulls, fixed in parallel positions.

3. Sail area shall not be more than: 7.00 square metres. There is no restriction on how sail area is distributed. Sails must be able to be dropped easily in all conditions while on the water or land with mast attached to boat, pocket luff sails may not have sidestays. Where a pocket luff sail is not used, half the mast area shall be included in the total sail area. “The girth measurement shall be taken as the distance from the centreline round the surface of the spar to the same point on the centreline. The resultant dimension shall be divided by two to give the half girth measurement.”
Boom measurement is only included in the sail area if the profile height of the boom is more than 1.5 of the width and shall be taken as per mast measurement.
When undertaking the sail measurement the following points should be noted.
Sail to be measured on a flat surface and laid out in terms of IYRU Measurement & Calculation of Sail Area Instructions. i.e.
“With battens set in their pockets the sail shall be pegged out on a flat surface with just sufficient tension to remove waves or wrinkles from the edge rounds and to spread the sail, as far as possible, substantially flat. Once the sail has been pegged out in this way all the required measurements shall be taken and no alterations to the tensions shall be made.”

4. Mast construction and rigging shall be un-restricted.
A contrasting measurement band shall be located on the mast no higher than 6metres above the top of the front beam. At no time shall any part of the main sail with the exception of a halyard lock or shackle or pocket luff sail cap be located above this measurement band. Unstayed rigs must secure the mast ensuring that during capsize the mast remains attached to the boat.




5. The overall length of the catamaran shall not be more than: 3.80 metres.
The length shall be measured between perpendiculars to the extremities of the hulls with
the catamaran in her normal trim. The measurement shall be taken parallel to the centre
line of the craft and shall exclude rudder hangings, but if the athwartships width of a
rudder within 153mm of the bottom of the hull is more than 76mm, the length shall be taken to the aftermost point of the rudder.

6. The extreme beam width shall not be more than: 2.00 metres
The beam shall be measured at right angles to the centre line of the craft at the widest point and including all fixed or adjustable apparatus, this may be at some point down the sides of the hulls, especially if hulls are angled. It may also be possible that the maximum width is at the bottom of centerboards when fully down.

7. Unballasted retractable seat or trapeze are not allowed.

8. Each hull shall have at least one inspection hatch.

9. Each hull shall carry at least 30 litres of flotation, which may be provided by solid closed cell foam, solid blocks of compacted foam granulate, air bags or sealed air compartments.

10. The platform shall be equipped with a maximum of two rudders.

11. In addition to the rudders, the platform may also be equipped with one or more daggerboards or centerboards.

12. It is not permitted to adjust the following items while racing: the rake of the mast, the tension of the standing rigging, the angle or length of the spreaders (if fitted).

13. It is the responsibility of the crew to ensure that the boat is equipped with a righting system that will enable the crew to right the boat without any outside assistance.

14. The Formula 12 Class authority may demand that a crew demonstrate their ability to right their boat, but only at a time when doing so does not directly affect the fairness of racing.

15. There will be no other restrictions on crew weight apart from the requirement that the crew weight must be sufficient to right the boat unaided under all encountered sailing conditions.

16. The F12 Division emblem shall be carried on the mainsail over national letters and sail numbers, Sail numbers shall be allotted by the Class Association.

17. Hydrofoils are not permitted. At least one hull shall be in the water while sailing. To this end, centreboards and rudders are to be essentially straight with a maximum camber (top to bottom) of no more than 25mm. They are to be essentially vertical with the distance between the bottom of the boards, when both are deployed, within 100mm of the distance between the top of the boards in the same position.

18. Minimum weight in full sailing trim shall be not less than 50 kilograms. The boat must be weighed in a dry condition and any weights attached to bring the boat to a minimum weight of 50 kilograms must be permanently affixed.

Class administration
19.1. Voting rights
Voting rights are only available to people that have designed or built a dedicated F12 catamaran. Whilst other designs that come within the rules are most welcome to compete in F12 races they have no voting rights regarding F12 design.
The following people are each entitled to one vote on class matters.
o Designers who have provided a free design of a dedicated F12 for others of which at least one has been built.
o Builders who have built at least one dedicated F12 boat ready to sail.
o Owners of a ready to sail dedicated F12 cat
19.2.a Changing of rules
A change to these rules requires affirmative votes from 2/3 of all people entitled to vote at the time of the poll.
19.2.b Rule changes may not preclude from competition or grandfather currently sailed dedicated F12 catamarans.
19.3. Applicability of rules
These rules exist as a draft only until being ratified or changed by vote after the launch of the 10th dedicated Formula 12 catamaran.
19.4.a. Governing body
Initially the Formula 12 catamaran class shall be run with all those entitled to vote having equal voting rights. Upon the launch and measurement of the 49th vessel the class association may with a 2/3 majority vote choose to implement a governing council which will be empowered to handle the general running of the class.
19.4.b. Where a governing council is adopted they may not make changes to the measurement box rule or voting structure, with out first receiving 2/3 majority support for any changes.

regards

Excellent!

I'd feel better if we made sure the "spirit of the rule" is clear. Maybe something like this:

1.In case of doubt, the intention of the rule makers, which is referred to as the spirit of the rule, shall take precedence over the letter of the rule. [color:"red"]It is the intention of the rule makers to set a reasonably fixed drag, relating to a reasonably fixed saildrive, resulting in level performance over many different makes, so as to achieve a fair and effective formula class.[/color]

Or probably a rewritten version of this, if my english is too bad (as usual).

F12 CLASS CATAMARAN MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES

Prologue: The Formula 12 class
The Formula 12 catamaran exists with the sole purpose of introducing young, novice and disabled sailors to the thrills of sailing high performance catamarans. With this in mind the following rules endeavor to outline a cost effective, safe and enjoyable class of sailing boat that can also be used for close racing across a range of designs.

The Formula 12 Design Box Rule
1. In case of doubt, the intention of the rule makers, which is referred to as the spirit of the rule, shall take precedence over the letter of the rule. It is the intention of the rule makers to set a reasonably fixed drag, relating to a reasonably fixed saildrive, resulting in level performance over many different makes, so as to achieve a fair and effective formula class. For construction, all materials and methods are allowed when these do not imply either an unacceptable risk of bodily harm or the operation of an unseaworthy craft. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure their craft are safe and seaworthy.

2. A catamaran is defined as a two-hulled sailing boat with essentially duplicate or mirror image hulls, fixed in parallel positions.

3. Sail area shall not be more than: 7.00 square metres. There is no restriction on how sail area is distributed. Sails must be able to be dropped easily in all conditions while on the water or land with mast attached to boat, pocket luff sails may not have sidestays. Where a pocket luff sail is not used, half the mast area shall be included in the total sail area. “The girth measurement shall be taken as the distance from the centreline round the surface of the spar to the same point on the centreline. The resultant dimension shall be divided by two to give the half girth measurement.”
Boom measurement is only included in the sail area if the profile height of the boom is more than 1.5 of the width and shall be taken as per mast measurement.
When undertaking the sail measurement the following points should be noted.
Sail to be measured on a flat surface and laid out in terms of IYRU Measurement & Calculation of Sail Area Instructions. i.e.
“With battens set in their pockets the sail shall be pegged out on a flat surface with just sufficient tension to remove waves or wrinkles from the edge rounds and to spread the sail, as far as possible, substantially flat. Once the sail has been pegged out in this way all the required measurements shall be taken and no alterations to the tensions shall be made.”

4. Mast construction and rigging shall be un-restricted.
A contrasting measurement band shall be located on the mast no higher than 6metres above the top of the front beam. At no time shall any part of the main sail with the exception of a halyard lock or shackle or pocket luff sail cap be located above this measurement band. Unstayed rigs must secure the mast ensuring that during capsize the mast remains attached to the boat.




5. The overall length of the catamaran shall not be more than: 3.80 metres.
The length shall be measured between perpendiculars to the extremities of the hulls with
the catamaran in her normal trim. The measurement shall be taken parallel to the centre
line of the craft and shall exclude rudder hangings, but if the athwartships width of a
rudder within 153mm of the bottom of the hull is more than 76mm, the length shall be taken to the aftermost point of the rudder.

6. The extreme beam width shall not be more than: 2.00 metres
The beam shall be measured at right angles to the centre line of the craft at the widest point and including all fixed or adjustable apparatus, this may be at some point down the sides of the hulls, especially if hulls are angled. It may also be possible that the maximum width is at the bottom of centerboards when fully down.

7. Unballasted retractable seat or trapeze are not allowed.

8. Each hull shall have at least one inspection hatch.

9. Each hull shall carry at least 30 litres of flotation, which may be provided by solid closed cell foam, solid blocks of compacted foam granulate, air bags or sealed air compartments.

10. The platform shall be equipped with a maximum of two rudders.

11. In addition to the rudders, the platform may also be equipped with one or more daggerboards or centerboards.

12. It is not permitted to adjust the following items while racing: the rake of the mast, the tension of the standing rigging, the angle or length of the spreaders (if fitted).

13. It is the responsibility of the crew to ensure that the boat is equipped with a righting system that will enable the crew to right the boat without any outside assistance.

14. The Formula 12 Class authority may demand that a crew demonstrate their ability to right their boat, but only at a time when doing so does not directly affect the fairness of racing.

15. There will be no other restrictions on crew weight apart from the requirement that the crew weight must be sufficient to right the boat unaided under all encountered sailing conditions.

16. The F12 Division emblem shall be carried on the mainsail over national letters and sail numbers, Sail numbers shall be allotted by the Class Association.

17. Hydrofoils are not permitted. At least one hull shall be in the water while sailing. To this end, centreboards and rudders are to be essentially straight with a maximum camber (top to bottom) of no more than 25mm. They are to be essentially vertical with the distance between the bottom of the boards, when both are deployed, within 100mm of the distance between the top of the boards in the same position.

18. Minimum weight in full sailing trim shall be not less than 50 kilograms. The boat must be weighed in a dry condition and any weights attached to bring the boat to a minimum weight of 50 kilograms must be permanently affixed.

Class administration
19.1. Voting rights
Voting rights are only available to people that have designed or built a dedicated F12 catamaran. Whilst other designs that come within the rules are most welcome to compete in F12 races they have no voting rights regarding F12 design.
The following people are each entitled to one vote on class matters.
o Designers who have provided a free design of a dedicated F12 for others of which at least one has been built.
o Builders who have built at least one dedicated F12 boat ready to sail.
o Owners of a ready to sail dedicated F12 cat
19.2.a Changing of rules
A change to these rules requires affirmative votes from 2/3 of all people entitled to vote at the time of the poll.
19.2.b Rule changes may not preclude from competition or grandfather currently sailed dedicated F12 catamarans.
19.3. Applicability of rules
These rules exist as a draft only until being ratified or changed by vote after the launch of the 10th dedicated Formula 12 catamaran.
19.4.a. Governing body
Initially the Formula 12 catamaran class shall be run with all those entitled to vote having equal voting rights. Upon the launch and measurement of the 49th vessel the class association may with a 2/3 majority vote choose to implement a governing council which will be empowered to handle the general running of the class.
19.4.b. Where a governing council is adopted they may not make changes to the measurement box rule or voting structure, with out first receiving 2/3 majority support for any changes.

Well 8pm came and went in my part of the world so thats my offering if anyone wants to make any changes and post it here just copy the rules paste it on a Word doc and modify it. The font is Times new roman, size 12.
regards

You have done a great job, I hope we can adopt the draft as it is, for my part it is YES.

I second that.

[color:"red"] [/color]

The fixed drag and fixed saildrive are not possible over various designs, I suggest we use "similar" instead of "fixed" so that we don't have some wennie saying the drag on one is not the same as another....which it never will be

Still dissappointed that you threw out the traps...and over 12 knots of breeze they will make the boats faster (so my VPP says anyway).

Cheers
RG

I was waiting to hear from you RG, you seem to have the bulk of boats on order, your delivering them all with traps, Mine will have traps, Matts have traps, even Luiz says he's going to put traps on them but not for racing, Scarecrow didn't mind.
The class will be split with nearly everyone intending to build putting traps on and not being legal in the hope that a novice will build one.
I say put traps in and let parents work out what they want, if they want a nice easy cat to sail build an unstayed rig then upgrade to a stayed trap rig later as the confidence grows.
Whats the point of rules if nearly all the builders say stuff em.


F12 CLASS CATAMARAN MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES

Prologue: The Formula 12 class
The Formula 12 catamaran exists with the sole purpose of introducing young, novice and disabled sailors to the thrills of sailing high performance catamarans. With this in mind the following rules endeavor to outline a cost effective, safe and enjoyable class of sailing boat that can also be used for close racing across a range of designs.

The Formula 12 Design Box Rule
1. In case of doubt, the intention of the rule makers, which is referred to as the spirit of the rule, shall take precedence over the letter of the rule. It is the intention of the rule makers to set a reasonably similar drag, relating to a reasonably similar saildrive, resulting in reasonably level performance over many different makes, so as to achieve a fair and effective formula class. For construction, all materials and methods are allowed when these do not imply either an unacceptable risk of bodily harm or the operation of an unseaworthy craft. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure their craft are safe and seaworthy.

2. A catamaran is defined as a two-hulled sailing boat with essentially duplicate or mirror image hulls, fixed in parallel positions.

3. Sail area shall not be more than: 7.00 square metres. There is no restriction on how sail area is distributed. Sails must be able to be dropped easily in all conditions while on the water or land with mast attached to boat, pocket luff sails may not have sidestays. Where a pocket luff sail is not used, half the mast area shall be included in the total sail area. “The girth measurement shall be taken as the distance from the centreline round the surface of the spar to the same point on the centreline. The resultant dimension shall be divided by two to give the half girth measurement.”
Boom measurement is only included in the sail area if the profile height of the boom is more than 1.5 of the width and shall be taken as per mast measurement.
When undertaking the sail measurement the following points should be noted.
Sail to be measured on a flat surface and laid out in terms of IYRU Measurement & Calculation of Sail Area Instructions. i.e.
“With battens set in their pockets the sail shall be pegged out on a flat surface with just sufficient tension to remove waves or wrinkles from the edge rounds and to spread the sail, as far as possible, substantially flat. Once the sail has been pegged out in this way all the required measurements shall be taken and no alterations to the tensions shall be made.”

4. Mast construction and rigging shall be un-restricted.
A contrasting measurement band shall be located on the mast no higher than 6metres above the top of the front beam. At no time shall any part of the main sail with the exception of a halyard lock or shackle or pocket luff sail cap be located above this measurement band. Unstayed rigs must secure the mast ensuring that during capsize the mast remains attached to the boat.




5. The overall length of the catamaran shall not be more than: 3.80 metres.
The length shall be measured between perpendiculars to the extremities of the hulls with
the catamaran in her normal trim. The measurement shall be taken parallel to the centre
line of the craft and shall exclude rudder hangings, but if the athwartships width of a
rudder within 153mm of the bottom of the hull is more than 76mm, the length shall be taken to the aftermost point of the rudder.

6. The extreme beam width shall not be more than: 2.00 metres
The beam shall be measured at right angles to the centre line of the craft at the widest point and including all fixed or adjustable apparatus, this may be at some point down the sides of the hulls, especially if hulls are angled. It may also be possible that the maximum width is at the bottom of centerboards when fully down.

7. Trapeze is allowed.

8. Each hull shall have at least one inspection hatch.

9. Each hull shall carry at least 30 litres of flotation, which may be provided by solid closed cell foam, solid blocks of compacted foam granulate, air bags or sealed air compartments.

10. The platform shall be equipped with a maximum of two rudders.

11. In addition to the rudders, the platform may also be equipped with one or more daggerboards or centerboards.

12. It is not permitted to adjust the following items while racing: the rake of the mast, the tension of the standing rigging, the angle or length of the spreaders (if fitted).

13. It is the responsibility of the crew to ensure that the boat is equipped with a righting system that will enable the crew to right the boat without any outside assistance.

14. The Formula 12 Class authority may demand that a crew demonstrate their ability to right their boat, but only at a time when doing so does not directly affect the fairness of racing.

15. There will be no other restrictions on crew weight apart from the requirement that the crew weight must be sufficient to right the boat unaided under all encountered sailing conditions.

16. The F12 Division emblem shall be carried on the mainsail over national letters and sail numbers, Sail numbers shall be allotted by the Class Association.

17. Hydrofoils are not permitted. At least one hull shall be in the water while sailing. To this end, centreboards and rudders are to be essentially straight with a maximum camber (top to bottom) of no more than 25mm. They are to be essentially vertical with the distance between the bottom of the boards, when both are deployed, within 100mm of the distance between the top of the boards in the same position.

18. Minimum weight in full sailing trim shall be not less than 50 kilograms. The boat must be weighed in a dry condition and any weights attached to bring the boat to a minimum weight of 50 kilograms must be permanently affixed.

Class administration
19.1. Voting rights
Voting rights are only available to people that have designed or built a dedicated F12 catamaran. Whilst other designs that come within the rules are most welcome to compete in F12 races they have no voting rights regarding F12 design.
The following people are each entitled to one vote on class matters.
o Designers who have provided a free design of a dedicated F12 for others of which at least one has been built.
o Builders who have built at least one dedicated F12 boat ready to sail.
o Owners of a ready to sail dedicated F12 cat
19.2.a Changing of rules
A change to these rules requires affirmative votes from 2/3 of all people entitled to vote at the time of the poll.
19.2.b Rule changes may not preclude from competition or grandfather currently sailed dedicated F12 catamarans.
19.3. Applicability of rules
These rules exist as a draft only until being ratified or changed by vote after the launch of the 10th dedicated Formula 12 catamaran.
19.4.a. Governing body
Initially the Formula 12 catamaran class shall be run with all those entitled to vote having equal voting rights. Upon the launch and measurement of the 49th vessel the class association may with a 2/3 majority vote choose to implement a governing council which will be empowered to handle the general running of the class.
19.4.b. Where a governing council is adopted they may not make changes to the measurement box rule or voting structure, with out first receiving 2/3 majority support for any changes.

That looks pretty final to me Jeff, thanks for the effort you put in :-)

Cheers
RG

Everything is fine with me, as long as we get the rules, but the orginal intention was not to have a simple and cheap cat just to play with but to be able to race with (the F14 is only 2 feets away and that one has everything...) It start to be time to get some of those cats in the water, 10 birds in the forest makes a very thin soup...

I agree 100%.
But class ruled are carved in stone, so let's start here and put our effort into building and sailing the boats.

That was me. Apparently it is possible to post without signing in.
Luiz

Forgot to correct my mistake.
Luiz

Thanks for going along with it Luiz, I just kept changing it as everyone chimed in. If there are no more objection's can we set tomorrow at the same time as this post shows, 24 hours from now as the time I will Post it listed as "F12 Formula rules". I'll see wether that post can be at the top of the F12 forum page and locked so there is nothing else in that post except for definite rules. Then perhaps we should stop using this thread and start another thread for discussing any proposed alterations to the established rules. That way anybody new considering building this cat knows what way the class is leaning after the 10th cat is built.
regards Jeff

"The Formula 12 catamaran exists with the sole purpose of introducing young, novice and disabled sailors to the thrills of sailing high performance catamarans."

How about changing "sole purpose" to "primary purpose"?

Best Regards,
Robert

Your wish is my command



F12 CLASS CATAMARAN MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES

Prologue: The Formula 12 class
The Formula 12 catamaran exists with the primary purpose of introducing young, novice and disabled sailors to the thrills of sailing high performance catamarans. With this in mind the following rules endeavor to outline a cost effective, safe and enjoyable class of sailing boat that can also be used for close racing across a range of designs.

The Formula 12 Design Box Rule
1. In case of doubt, the intention of the rule makers, which is referred to as the spirit of the rule, shall take precedence over the letter of the rule. It is the intention of the rule makers to set a reasonably similar drag, relating to a reasonably similar saildrive, resulting in reasonably level performance over many different makes, so as to achieve a fair and effective formula class. For construction, all materials and methods are allowed when these do not imply either an unacceptable risk of bodily harm or the operation of an unseaworthy craft. It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure their craft are safe and seaworthy.

2. A catamaran is defined as a two-hulled sailing boat with essentially duplicate or mirror image hulls, fixed in parallel positions.

3. Sail area shall not be more than: 7.00 square metres. There is no restriction on how sail area is distributed. Sails must be able to be dropped easily in all conditions while on the water or land with mast attached to boat, pocket luff sails may not have sidestays. Where a pocket luff sail is not used, half the mast area shall be included in the total sail area. “The girth measurement shall be taken as the distance from the centreline round the surface of the spar to the same point on the centreline. The resultant dimension shall be divided by two to give the half girth measurement.”
Boom measurement is only included in the sail area if the profile height of the boom is more than 1.5 of the width and shall be taken as per mast measurement.
When undertaking the sail measurement the following points should be noted.
Sail to be measured on a flat surface and laid out in terms of IYRU Measurement & Calculation of Sail Area Instructions. i.e.
“With battens set in their pockets the sail shall be pegged out on a flat surface with just sufficient tension to remove waves or wrinkles from the edge rounds and to spread the sail, as far as possible, substantially flat. Once the sail has been pegged out in this way all the required measurements shall be taken and no alterations to the tensions shall be made.”

4. Mast construction and rigging shall be un-restricted.
A contrasting measurement band shall be located on the mast no higher than 6metres above the top of the front beam. At no time shall any part of the main sail with the exception of a halyard lock or shackle or pocket luff sail cap be located above this measurement band. Unstayed rigs must secure the mast ensuring that during capsize the mast remains attached to the boat.




5. The overall length of the catamaran shall not be more than: 3.80 metres.
The length shall be measured between perpendiculars to the extremities of the hulls with
the catamaran in her normal trim. The measurement shall be taken parallel to the centre
line of the craft and shall exclude rudder hangings, but if the athwartships width of a
rudder within 153mm of the bottom of the hull is more than 76mm, the length shall be taken to the aftermost point of the rudder.

6. The extreme beam width shall not be more than: 2.00 metres
The beam shall be measured at right angles to the centre line of the craft at the widest point and including all fixed or adjustable apparatus, this may be at some point down the sides of the hulls, especially if hulls are angled. It may also be possible that the maximum width is at the bottom of centerboards when fully down.

7. Trapeze is allowed.

8. Each hull shall have at least one inspection hatch.

9. Each hull shall carry at least 30 litres of flotation, which may be provided by solid closed cell foam, solid blocks of compacted foam granulate, air bags or sealed air compartments.

10. The platform shall be equipped with a maximum of two rudders.

11. In addition to the rudders, the platform may also be equipped with one or more daggerboards or centerboards.

12. It is not permitted to adjust the following items while racing: the rake of the mast, the tension of the standing rigging, the angle or length of the spreaders (if fitted).

13. It is the responsibility of the crew to ensure that the boat is equipped with a righting system that will enable the crew to right the boat without any outside assistance.

14. The Formula 12 Class authority may demand that a crew demonstrate their ability to right their boat, but only at a time when doing so does not directly affect the fairness of racing.

15. There will be no other restrictions on crew weight apart from the requirement that the crew weight must be sufficient to right the boat unaided under all encountered sailing conditions.

16. The F12 Division emblem shall be carried on the mainsail over national letters and sail numbers, Sail numbers shall be allotted by the Class Association.

17. Hydrofoils are not permitted. At least one hull shall be in the water while sailing. To this end, centreboards and rudders are to be essentially straight with a maximum camber (top to bottom) of no more than 25mm. They are to be essentially vertical with the distance between the bottom of the boards, when both are deployed, within 100mm of the distance between the top of the boards in the same position.

18. Minimum weight in full sailing trim shall be not less than 50 kilograms. The boat must be weighed in a dry condition and any weights attached to bring the boat to a minimum weight of 50 kilograms must be permanently affixed.

Class administration
19.1. Voting rights
Voting rights are only available to people that have designed or built a dedicated F12 catamaran. Whilst other designs that come within the rules are most welcome to compete in F12 races they have no voting rights regarding F12 design.
The following people are each entitled to one vote on class matters.
o Designers who have provided a free design of a dedicated F12 for others of which at least one has been built.
o Builders who have built at least one dedicated F12 boat ready to sail.
o Owners of a ready to sail dedicated F12 cat
19.2.a Changing of rules
A change to these rules requires affirmative votes from 2/3 of all people entitled to vote at the time of the poll.
19.2.b Rule changes may not preclude from competition or grandfather currently sailed dedicated F12 catamarans.
19.3. Applicability of rules
These rules exist as a draft only until being ratified or changed by vote after the launch of the 10th dedicated Formula 12 catamaran.
19.4.a. Governing body
Initially the Formula 12 catamaran class shall be run with all those entitled to vote having equal voting rights. Upon the launch and measurement of the 49th vessel the class association may with a 2/3 majority vote choose to implement a governing council which will be empowered to handle the general running of the class.
19.4.b. Where a governing council is adopted they may not make changes to the measurement box rule or voting structure, with out first receiving 2/3 majority support for any changes.

Sorry I'm gonna struggle to fit that one in the rules
regards

Did I get the Anon off.., can't find any more. Let me know if you do.
Rick

There's an anonymous 2 posts up from yours written in a different language
regards

Jeff its too early for you to be on line. Go back to bed.

I like to see the sun come up , get my work done early drink a beer and race the sun to bed

zapped it. Thanks,
Rick