Question 26: Is South Africa an RCA for the purpose of class rule G.2.4(c)?
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