<p>Question 19:</p> <p>Can we install a cleat on the instruments bracket with the scope of holding in place the gennaker halyard when not in use?</p>
No
The Cape 31 International One Design Class Rules are closed class rules (Part II preamble). The World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing 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 World Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing define the following terms:
(ERS C.7.1(c)): “(c) FASTENING To fix in place with bolts, screws or rivets.”
(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 World Sailing Equipment Rule of Sailing 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 gennaker halyard is not listed, it prohibited under the closed class rules ethos.
Andy Wibroe
International Class Measurer