Question 23: Can we add an external weight (eg. pocket with stripe of lead) to a storm jib that complies all the OSR rules, except being lighter than 8 kg? Or shall we ask sailmaker to add another layer of cloth to make it heavier?
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