Question 28: Do the runners/backstays have to be supplied by the licensed manufacturer? If not, can they made from any suitable material?
N.B a series of rule improvements have been approved recently by the Executive Committee one of which affects the outcome of this Q&A which is the cause for the delay in it being answered.
In the revised Class Rules that enter force on 28 April 2025, new rule C.5.5(b) mandates the use of hardware specified in new Appendix AP4 and new rule F.6.2(a)(viii) mandates the use of running backstays specified in new Appendix AP4.
Within appendix AP4 the running backstays and associated hardware are specified as either being builder supplied or specific parts from Harken. Where the component is stated as Builder Supplied the part must be procured from the licensed builder.
For running backstays that were installed before 28 April 2025, the new Appendix AP4 clarifies that such running backstays may continue to be used until the end of serviceable life as determined by the original equipment manufacturer of those running backstays. When the end of serviceable life is reached the replacement running backstays must be builder supplied as per Appendix AP4.
In addition, all running backstays and associated hardware must be maintained and inspected per the manufacturer’s requirements.