Measurement

No

The Cape 31 International One-Design Class Rules are closed class rules (preamble to part II).

The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 define Closed Class Rules (ERS C.2.2) as “Class Rules where anything not specifically permitted by the Class Rules is prohibited.”

Accordingly, the absence of the class rules specifically allowing replacement of stainless-steel bolts provided with the boat is prohibited.

Any boat which has made such a modification of bolts must replace titanium or alloy bolts with stainless steel bolts of similar size, weight and type to the original supplied bolts to be deemed in compliance with the class rules.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No

Class rule E.2.3(a) states:

“The hull appendages shall not be altered or modified from the state supplied by the LBM in any way except as permitted by the class rules.” As "modified" is in bold, it is used in its defined sense as per the Equipment Rules of Sailing.

The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define modification as (ERS C.7.2): “Work resulting in a change to the original condition.” and fairing as (ERS C.7.1(i)): “The addition and/or removal of material to alter the shape.”

Accordingly, the addition of a section to the keel (3D printed or otherwise) is fairing which is a form of modification as it alters the shape therefore changing the original condition and is prohibited.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (Part II preamble). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

As the class rules do not specifically refer to the addition of holes to the jib tracks, any addition of holes to the jib tracks is prohibited.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

The use of an existing purchase system for a differing purpose is not permitted.

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (Part II preamble). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): "Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited."

Accordingly, only the purchase systems listed in class rule F.6.3(a) can be used for the purposes mentioned in that rule.

In this case a jib halyard purchase system is permitted as it is listed in rule F.6.3(a)(ii). A jib downhaul/ Cunningham purchase system is not listed in rule F.6.3(a) and is therefore prohibited even if configured using otherwise permitted parts and fittings.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Providing the correct procedure is followed, the removal of a kelp cutter may be permitted.

The exact extent of work undertaken to remove the kelp cutter is subject to prior approval.

Whilst the Class Rules do not permit modifications to equipment supplied by a licenced manufacturer, a specific request can be made for a dispensation from the relevant class rules (as per class rule A.3.4) if the result were equipment that would otherwise comply with the rules. In this case a request to change from one permitted configuration (Keel with licenced builder supplied kelp cutter) to another (The specifications of the licenced builder for a keel without kelp cutter).

Such a request should follow this procedure:

• A written request is submitted by the owner or their representative to measurer@cape31class.com detailing the requested works;
• The request should include images of the affected area and a description of the requested works;
• The Technical Officer will review (and seek further information as necessary), consult with the designer and licensed manufacturer to ensure the requested works will maintain the boat within the building specifications and not otherwise affect performance of the boat;
• The Executive Committee will review the request with supporting information from the Technical Officer, Designer and Builder, as applicable;
• A written response will be given by email and where granted, detail any limitations to the works and any required verification by a class authorised measurer to be undertaken after the works;
• The details of the works will be appended to the boat’s certificate; and
• The owner or their representative is to ensure the works conducted abide by any limitations specified by the Executive Committee.

Note: This Q&A portal is intended to address general principles of the class rules to give members of the class further guidance and transparency from the Technical Officer on what is and is not permissible. It is not intended to be used to address specific requests to conduct works on a specific boat which may require approval from the Class Executive Committee.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Yes.

Class rule F.6.2(a)(v) permits headsail sheets. The Class Rules do not otherwise control the use of headsail sheets and accordingly the sheeting position is at a boat’s discretion providing no fittings are installed for this purpose that are not otherwise permitted.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (preambular paragraphs to part II). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

The only class rule that allows the addition of holes to any part of a boat is D.1.3(g) which is specifically for the fitting of an electronic navigation system. Accordingly, the absence of any other rule allowing the addition of holes to a boat means the addition of holes, in this case to the cockpit for to install traveller blocks is prohibited.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (preambular paragraphs to part II). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

The only class rule that allows the addition of holes to any part of a boat is D.1.3(g) which is specifically for the fitting of an electronic navigation system. Accordingly, the absence of any other rule allowing the addition of holes to a boat means the addition of holes, in this case to the cockpit for the purpose of making the fine tune ‘endless’ means such holes are prohibited.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Yes.

Class rule C.2.2 (table) limits the crew weight which must be complied with at all times whilst racing (as it is a rule of Part II, While Racing). Class rule C.2.2(b) makes reference to events having random crew weighing which is envisaged to take place during class events.

Event rules (Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions) make provision for event equipment inspection which will specify how and when random crew weighing will be conducted. The class standard is to select 3 boats at random (using the CMS to generate boats at random) after racing is finished and these boats will be notified and given 1 hour to present their crew for weighing in accordance with class rule C.2.2(b). As boats are selected randomly, the same boat may be selected more than once during a regatta.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Disqualification.

Class rule C.2.2(b) states:

"...The penalty for a crew which is greater than the maximum permissible shall be disqualification from all races on the day of the weighing.”

Accordingly, a boat with crew found to have broken class rule C.2.2 (table) (which specifies the maximum crew weight) based on random crew weighing after racing will be scored DSQ in all races from that day.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

It depends.

Class rule C.5.4(b) and (c) control when a boat can be cleaned by a person entering the water.

In a regatta of 3 days or less, a boat cannot be cleaned by a person entering the water except to remove weed or to check for damage.

During a regatta longer than 3 days, a boat may be cleaned by a person entering the water (with or without breathing apparatus) on the 4th and every even day thereafter (day 4, 6 and 8 etc).

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (preambular paragraphs to part II). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

As a ‘handy billy’ is not specified anywhere in the class rules the presence or use of one on board is prohibited.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

Class rule E.2.3(a) states:

“The hull appendages shall not be altered or modified from the state supplied by the LBM in any way except as permitted by the class rules.” As "modified" is in bold it is used in its defined sense according to the Equipment Rules of Sailing.

The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing define modification as (ERS C.7.2): “Work resulting in a change to the original condition.” and fairing as (ERS C.7.1(i)): “The addition and/or removal of material to alter the shape.”

Accordingly, fairing is a form of modification as it alters the shape therefore changing the original condition and is prohibited.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Yes

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules permit the use of running rigging (class rule F.6) which includes a spinnaker halyard (class rule F.6.2(vi)). The class rules do not further limit the make up of running rigging.

The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 (ERS) define rigging as (ERS F.1.6): “Any equipment attached and/or connected at one or both ends to spars, sails or other rigging and capable of working in tension only. Includes associated fittings which are not permanently fixed to a hull, spar or spreader.”

Further, the ERS define fitting as (ERS C.7.1(b)): “An item, including any associated fitting, that is not part of the boat structure but is bonded or fastened to the hull, hull appendages or rig.”

As the class rules do not mention fittings as part of running rigging but permit running rigging without further limitation, which the ERS defines as including associated fittings not permanently attached to hull, spars or spreaders, any fitting is allowed as part of running rigging. This includes any shackle configuration and the ‘c-slip’ components attached to the shackle used to connect the spinnaker halyard to the spinnaker head.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules permit the use of standing rigging (class rule F.5) which includes a forestay (class rule F.5.1(a)(i)). The class rules list the fittings that may be included in standing rigging (class rule F.5.2). Accordingly, only those fittings are permitted.

Part II of the class rules are closed class rules. The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

As a fitting forming part of a spinnaker hoisting system attached to the forestay is not mentioned in the class rules, its presence and use whilst racing is prohibited due to Part II of the class rules being closed class rules.

The Class Executive Committee has been consulted regarding the introduction of new fittings and components during the racing season. The Executive has reaffirmed the one design nature of the class and the ethos that owners should not need to buy new types of equipment during the season to remain competitive. Accordingly, any proposals to change the substance of the class rules (what a boat can and cannot have installed and used while racing) should be considered during the Annual General Meeting to propose modifications to what can and cannot be installed and used on board a Cape 31 while racing.

Any class member can approach the Technical Officer with a proposal to change the class rules as per constitution provision 13.1.2 for development and consideration at the next membership meeting. Such proposals should be emailed to measurer@cape31class.com.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

The Preamble to Part II of the Class Rules states:

"The crew and the boat shall comply with the rules in Part II when racing except for rules C.5.4, C.6.2 and C.8 which shall be complied with as specified in those rules."

Class rule C.5.4 states the application within it as follows:

”C.5.4 HAUL OUT AND DIVING

(a) Boats shall not be hauled out during a regatta, except with prior permission of the Class Authority in exceptional circumstances.

(b) During a regatta of 3 days or less, a boat shall not be cleaned by a person entering the water. This does not include the removal of weed or to check for damage..

During a regatta that is longer than 3 days, a boat may be cleaned by a person entering the water either with or without breathing apparatus on the 4th day and every second day thereafter i.e. day 4, 6, 8 etc.”

In this context, a regatta starts on the first day of scheduled racing irrespective of when the first race is started or completed. The regatta ends at the conclusion of the last race, or when AP over A or N over A are displayed, on the final scheduled day of the event.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

A Cape 31 is required to carry lifejackets meeting the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) for each member of crew to meet the class rules.

Lifejackets are generally considered as equipment for use during abandon ship scenarios.

In addition, the Racing Rules of Sailing require a boat to carry personal flotation devices (Rule 40).

As the class rules permit (Class Rule C.3.1(a)) the carriage of other personal equipment including clothing and personal effects that are normally used in the sport of keelboat racing, a boat may choose to carry ‘buoyancy aids’ or similar to wear when racing rule of sailing 40 is invoked.

Therefore, a boat may choose to use ‘buoyancy aids’ or lifejackets to meet racing rule of sailing 40.1 when it applies during class racing. However, no matter which choice a boat makes it must still carry lifejackets conforming to the OSR.

When considering the provision of lifejackets for a Cape 31, attention is drawn in particular to the below.

Class Rule C.1.1(b) states:

”The boat shall comply with OSR category 4 except for the following:” and does not list anything related to lifejackets

Accordingly a Cape 31 must comply with World Sailing Offshore Special Regulation 5.01 ‘Lifejacket’ by providing a lifejacket for every member of crew. NB This regulation is applicable to all categories (including category 4) of racing denoted by the “**” in the margin of that regulation.”

5.01.1 of the OSR (also having “**” in the margin therefore applicable to all categories) specifies the standards accepted for lifejackets. These are relevant to the date of manufacture.

If a lifejacket is manufactured before 2012 it must comply with the ISO Standard 12402-3 (level 150N) or equivalent (including standards EN369 or UL1180). In these scenarios each lifejacket, if inflatable must have a gas inflation system and have a crotch strap/ thigh straps.

If a lifejacket is manufactured after 2011 it must comply with the ISO standard 12402-3 (level 150N) and be fitted with a whistle, lifting loop, reflective material automatic/ manual gas inflation system including crotch/ thigh straps.

The standard to which a lifejacket has been manufactured is usually displayed on the labelling of the product. If an owner is in any doubt they should reach out to the chandlery or place of purchase.

The OSR continues by requiring all lifejackets irrespective of date of manufacture to be clearly marked with the boat or wearer’s name, if inflatable be regularly checked for air retention, and for the person in charge of the boat to personally check each lifejacket at least once annually.

It should also be pointed out that the general provisions for the OSR require all equipment (OSR 2.04.1) to function properly, be regularly checked, cleaned and serviced, if it has an expiry date not expire while racing, when not in use be stowed in conditions in which deterioration is minimised, be readily accessible, and be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the boat.

These requirements all apply to lifejackets required by the OSR.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (Part II preamble). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

Class Rule C.5.1 states the permitted modifications to the boat and Class Rule D.1.3 states the permitted modifications to the hull.

Neither Class Rule C.5.1 or D.1.3 state any modifications to the propulsion system or its associated fittings. Accordingly, to modify the propulsion system including throttle position and associated cabling from the position originally supplied by the licenced builder is prohibited by the closed class rule ethos, and as it is a fitting associated with the hull is specifically prohibited by class rule D.1.3(a).

Only a boat with a dispensation issued by the Executive Committee as per Class Rule A.3.4 is exempt from the above.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No

The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (Part II preamble). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025 - 2028 (ERS) define closed class rules as (ERS C.2.2): “Class rules where anything not specifically permitted by the class rules is prohibited.”

To install a cleat would require it to be attached to the instrument bracket with either bolts, screws, rivets or to be glued to the bracket with resins or sealants.

The ERS define the following terms:

(ERS C.7.1(c)): “(c) FASTENING To fix in place with bolts, screws, rivets or other suitable means.”

(ERS C.7.1(d)): “(d) BONDING To fix in place with glues, resins, sealants or other similar chemical agents.”

Any item that is bonded or fastened to the boat which is not part of its structure is a fitting as defined in ERS C.7.1(b):

”(b) FITTING An item, including any associated fitting, that is not part of the boat structure but is bonded or fastened to the hull, hull appendages or rig.”

Accordingly, attaching a cleat to the instrument bracket is a fitting. Class Rule C.5.3 lists the optional fittings which may be added to the boat. As a cleat for the purpose of securing the spinnaker halyard is not listed, it is prohibited under the closed class rules ethos.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Answer:

It depends

Class Rule C.5.3 lists the optional fittings which may be added to the boat. Within this list, C.5.3(o) allows padeyes to be attached to the hull provided they are attached by way of bonding. Any other type of fitting including a pad eye which is bolted or screwed is not permitted as there is no mention in the class rules of other fittings due to the Class Rules being Closed Class Rules (Part II Preamble).

Accordingly, if the system described in the question is not fastened (with rivets, bolts or screws) to the hull or its associated fittings (such as the main sheet track, rudder stock etc), and is bonded with glues, resins or similar it is permitted.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Yes

As described in Question and Answer 17 above, a boat may choose to take on board personal flotation devices.

However, a boat MUST carry lifejackets meeting the Offshore Special Regulation Category 4 (150N meeting the ISO 12402-3 standard or equivalent) in order to meet class rule C.1.1(b).

The Technical Committee (as per racing rule 92) at an event is not authorised to relax the class rules, only the Class Authority may consider issuing a dispensation to the class rules as per Class Rule A.3.4.

In addition, the authorisation for the Technical Committee at the 2024 European Championships to use the dispensation ability in class rule A.3.4, as detailed in Measurement Notice #1 for that event, is limited to deviations that were implemented to boats before the event that cannot be rectified at the event due to the degree of work required. This does not cover the carriage of safety equipment which does not require structural alterations to the boat in order to comply with the rules.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

1. The Sail buttons in the CMS are the method of enforcing the sail allocation in class rule G.2.4(a) which runs from 1 January to 31 December. Accordingly, to use 2024 sail buttons on the CMS; the serial number from the certification mark (or sail if the certification mark does not have a serial number) must be input to the button in the boat's CMS account before 00:00 on 01 January 2025 (UTC).

2. An existing boat is eligible for sail buttons upon paying its international class membership in the year it wishes to receive sail buttons. At this point it will be issued buttons in the CMS for it to input the relevant sail information.

Any new boat is eligible to receive sail buttons upon making its final payment to the licenced builder thereby taking ownership of the boat and then paying its international class membership for the year it wishes to receive buttons.

3. The ‘double allowance’ for sail buttons refers to the last sentence in current class rule G.2.4(a) (2024 class rules):

”In addition, a new boat, in its first calendar year of class racing may declare the allotment above twice i.e. is entitled to two full suits of sails in its first year of racing.”

Therefore, any new boat is eligible for the double allowance in 2024 if it has taken part in one or more class events in 2024 noting the allowance refers to a boat’s first year of racing. NB The double allowance is removed from the 2025 class rules i.e. is no longer available from 1 January 2025 as voted for during the 2023 Class AGM.

4. As the limitation of 3 spinnakers applies from 1 January 2025 as voted for during the 2023 Class AGM, any spinnaker that was in existence and certified before this is exempt from needing a button and being declared in the CMS noting class rule G.2.1(a) requires sails to comply with the rules in force at the time of certification. At events the date on the certification mark will be used to verify the year of the sail.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Class rule C.1.1(b) requires a boat to meet Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) Category 4 with some exceptions. One of the exceptions is that a heavy weather jib does not have to be capable of hoisting independent of a luff grove i.e. does not require hanks or similar (class rule C.1.1(b)(iv)) and can therefore be a 'racing' sail.

In addition, class rule C.7.2(b) requires the OSR heavy weather jib to be on board and for it to weigh at least 8kg.

The introduction of the 8kg requirement was to give an objective method of ensuring heavy weather jibs are bonafide sails and not very light pieces of 'equipment' carried for compliance only.

A boat can chose the size of heavy weather jib used providing it is not greater than the maximum sail area calculated as per OSR 4.27.3 and meets the class specific 8kg minimum requirement.

With respect to the method of ensuring the heavy weather jib meets this weight limit, OSR 2.04.1(f) requires all equipment mandated by the OSR to:

"be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the boat."

To install lead into a sail that is mandated by the OSR is not deemed to be suitable and the sail itself should meet the minimum weight of 8kg.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Class Rule C.2.3(a) requires a boat to be helmed by either its owner, part owner or charterer unless an alternative helm has been approved.

Class rule C.2.3(c)(iii) further defines a charter helmsperson as:

"Charter helmsperson means a person chartering a boat for several Class events or a single Class event which has submitted a copy of the charter agreement to the RCA of the event(s), or ICA for international events and paid an appropriate charter fee for the charter period."

Accordingly, to be considered a charter helmsperson, that person needs to submit a copy of the charter agreement between them and the owner to the relevant authority, and have paid an appropriate charter fee.

The Class through either an RCA or the ICA does not stipulate what the charter fee should be as this is a private matter between the owner and the charterer of the boat.

There are no specific clauses that the rules stipulate must be within the charter agreement.

It should be noted that a rule improvement will be considered by the Executive Committee to clarify that the relevant committee must approve a charter helmsperson to ensure that a genuine charter is in place. This will be considered before the class season begins.

In addition, attention is drawn to class rule A.12.1 which requires a charter helm to be a member of the class and that Constitution provision 4.6 provides that after a charter helm has competed in one class event they must pay the relevant class membership in order to continue being eligeble to enter a boat as a a charter helm.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

The cape 31 international one design class rules are closed class rules. The class rules make no mention of modification or replacement of components to the jib cars and therefore such modification or replacement is not permitted.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

No.

Class Rule G.2.4(c) allows a boat to ‘button’ an additional 2 sails if it competes in more than 1 “RCA territory” and in more than 6 class events across those territories. Further, Class Rule A.2.1 defines RCA as “Regional Class Authority.”

The Cape 31 International Class Association Constitution defines an RCA as “a properly constituted and established authority pursuant to section 5 of this Constitution.” and section 5 of the Constitution specifies the criteria for establishing an RCA which is on application to the Class Executive Committee for regions that have at least 5 members. The Constitution defines a member as "an owner fulfilling section 4 of this constitution." and section 4 of the Constitution states that to be a member the owner must have paid the annual membership dues set by the Executive Committee.

At the time of answering this question (February 2025), South Africa was not an RCA nor was it in the process of establishing itself as an RCA. However, South Africa can form an RCA by reaching the requisite 5 members, as per the Constitution, and submit an application to the Executive Committee.

The intention of class rule G.2.4(c) is to incentivise boats competing in class events in multiple territories which are organised by the various RCAs. At the time of answering this question South Africa's class events are not considered in the 7 or more events referred to in class rule G.2.4(c)

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

Class rule E.4.1(a) requires:

“The engine, drive leg and Gori propeller shall be the standard Yanmar engine (raw water-cooled model) coupled to a saildrive; or equivalent equipment supplied by the LBM.”

Accordingly the propeller must be the ‘standard’ gori propeller that is supplied when the boat is new or a replacement for a new propeller that is the same gori propeller as supplied to new boats.

The builder has confirmed that the propeller is: Gori 15X2 LH - 2 Blade Propellor SD.

The class rules are silent in regard to modification to the propeller and therefore modification is not permitted and there is no tolerance on folding or closure of the propeller blades so this must be as per the condition supplied by Gori.

Andy Wibroe

Technical Officer

N.B a series of rule improvements have been approved recently by the Executive Committee one of which affects the outcome of this Q&A which is the cause for the delay in it being answered.

In the revised Class Rules that enter force on 28 April 2025, new rule C.5.5(b) mandates the use of hardware specified in new Appendix AP4 and new rule F.6.2(a)(viii) mandates the use of running backstays specified in new Appendix AP4.

Within appendix AP4 the running backstays and associated hardware are specified as either being builder supplied or specific parts from Harken. Where the component is stated as Builder Supplied the part must be procured from the licensed builder.

For running backstays that were installed before 28 April 2025, the new Appendix AP4 clarifies that such running backstays may continue to be used until the end of serviceable life as determined by the original equipment manufacturer of those running backstays. When the end of serviceable life is reached the replacement running backstays must be builder supplied as per Appendix AP4.

In addition, all running backstays and associated hardware must be maintained and inspected per the manufacturer’s requirements.