<p>Question 2:</p> <p>Can a 3D printed section be bonded to the keel fin or any other underwater appendage to help with fairing?</p>
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