<p>Is a device to guide the gennaker halyard whilst hoisting (which is part of the halyard shackle and attaches to the forestay) permitted, specifically, products similar to the ‘c-slip system’ produced by “Conurban Marine”? </p> <p>NB the measurer is posting this Q&A based on their own observations of the class social media accounts. </p>
Yes
The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules permit the use of running rigging (class rule F.6) which includes a gennaker 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 (ERS) define running 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(c)): “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, 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 gennaker halyard to the gennaker head.