7.1.1 The RS Elite One Design Class yacht has been created as strict one-design racing keelboat. It has been designed on the fundamental principle that the racing results should depend solely on the attributes and skills of the crew.
7.1.2 The fundamental objective of these Class Rules (the Rules) is to ensure that this concept is maintained. The English text of these Rules shall govern.
7.2.1 All words that appear in quotation marks will, throughout these Rules have the meaning given to them as defined in appendix 1.
7.3.1 To be eligible to compete in events run under the auspices of the UK RS Elite Class Association (the Class Association) the owner, or joint owner of an RS Elite must be a full member of the Class Association. The Class Association further defines that helms in certain events - Nationals, Cowes Week, Burnham Week at present - shall be Full, Associate or Family members of the Association.
7.4.1 The complete boat and its crew/helmsman shall conform to these Rules and their Addenda at all times when racing.
7.4.2 The external and internal mouldings including the "Hull" of the RS Elite shall only be produced by the Licensed Builder or from production moulds taken from the Master plugs held by the Copyright Holder.
7.4.3 The sails, comprising mainsail, jib, and spinnaker, may be obtained only from the Licensed Builder or a "Licensed Supplier".
7.4.4 All other equipment including "Spars", rudder, stock, tiller, fittings, whether original or replacement, shall be those supplied by the Licensed Builder except as specifically authorised by these Rules.
7.4.5 No additions, alterations or repairs may be made to the RS Elite unless specifically authorised by the Rules. These restrictions shall extend to the position and intended function of each item.
7.4.6 No performance advantage shall be obtained from any permitted replacement, addition or repair. The permitted replacements, additions, alterations and repairs described in the Rules are subject to this overriding limitation.
7.4.6A All boats competing in open events must be antifouled. Open events as include any event organised by the RS Elite Class Association or host clubs and events such as Cowes week and Burnham week. Note - this rule has been added here for clarification, as a fundamental rule - it also appears in 7.7 below
7.4.7 Repairs and preventative maintenance may be carried out without violating these rules, provided repairs are made in such a way that the essential shape, characteristics or function of the original are not affected.
7.4.8 Preventative maintenance shall include the replacement of fastenings with alternatives provided that the equipment is replaced in the original position and in accordance with these rules where relevant.
7.4.9 Polishing or burnishing of "hull" and rudder is permitted, but substantial filing or abrasion, other than for the purpose of repair, with the effect of modifying the shape or performance is not allowed. Painting and subsequent burnishing of a "hull", or rudder, which requires refinishing, is permitted.
7.4.10 Sponsorship & Advertising: The RS Elite & events will be operated under the ISAF Category C. There will be no restriction on the number or coverage of advertisers logos or slogans except for the front 25% of the hull and bottom 10% of the mainsail are reserved for event and circuit sponsors.
7.5.1 The Builders of the RS Elite shall be only those licensed by the Copyright Holder under a Builder's Agreement (the Licensed Builder).
7.5.2 Each hull shall carry a moulded-in hull number or individually numbered Royalty Plaque fixed in a readily visible position as prescribed by the Copyright Holder.
7.5.3 On being advised of the hull or Royalty Plaque number the Copyright Holder (or his authorised agent) shall issue each new hull with a Sail Number.
7.5.4 The Class Insignia shall be the RS Elite class logo as prescribed by the Licensed Builder.
7.6.1 In the event of a dispute alleging non-compliance with these Rules, the matter shall be referred, via the RS Elite Rules Co-ordinator, to the RS Elite Class Association Committee. Their decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
7.6.2 In the case of a measurement dispute not explicitly covered by these Rules, the following procedure shall be adopted:
7.6.2.1 A sample of the dimensions and specifications for the disputed item shall be obtained by taking the identical measurement and specifications from five other boats or items of equipment, which are not the subject of the dispute.
7.6.2.2 The dimensions and specifications of the disputed item shall be compared to the sample, using the same technique as in 7.6.2.1 above.
7.6.2.3 If any of the dimensions obtained from the disputed boat or item of equipment lie outside the corresponding range of dimensions found in the sample by more than 10% of that range, the matter together with the details of the measurement methods and any other relevant information shall be referred to the Rules Co-ordinator of the Class Association.
7.6.2.4 The Rules Co-ordinator shall subsequently obtain a unanimous decision from the Copyright Holder, Licensed Builder and the RS Elite Class Association. The decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
7.7.1 The Crew, including helmsman , shall only exceed three or be less than two by special dispensation from the Class Association Committee.
7.7.2 A boat shall compete with the same number of crew (inclusive of helm) throughout an event unless by special dispensation from the Class Association Committee.
7.7.3 No clothing and equipment of the helm and crew shall be worn with the specific feature of adding weight by water absorption or holding water in pockets, compartments, containers or any other method.
7.7.4 At all times when racing the helmsman and crew shall kneel, stand or sit in the normal position with their knees within the confines of the cockpit. The cockpit is outlined by the coaming or inner edge of the sidedeck. The use of toerails, shrouds, sheets, or any other attachment for the purposes of "leaning" out is prohibited. "Hiking" is not permitted.
7.7.5 For "emergency" purposes crew members may be allowed outside of the cockpit, for the sole purpose of dealing with the "emergency", but must return as soon as the "emergency" is over.
7.7.6 The rudder and hull up to the designed waterline must be covered in at least one coat of antifouling paint.
7.7.7 An anchor and/or chain of not less than 4kg in total weight, together with sufficient warp shall be carried when racing in tidal waters.
7.7.8 Two paddles and/or an outboard motor, bracket, and fuel shall be carried whilst racing.
7.7.9 At least two lifejackets/buoyancy aids shall be carried, plus one more if the crew is three in number.
7.7.10 A bucket or hand bailer shall be carried if no bilge pumps are fitted.
7.7.11 A knife shall be carried and stowed in a readily accessible location whilst racing.
7.7.12 Spinnaker sheets shall comprise two separate sheets and the aft ends shall not be joined together by any means.
Having been agreed between the Class Association, the Title Holder and the Builder
8.9.1 Replacements:- The following parts or equipment may be replaced providing that the replacement is of a similar make and type and performs the same function. The replacement parts or equipment may be obtained from any supplier:
8.9.1.1 Blocks, tracks and travellers.
8.9.1.2 Sail battens.
8.9.1.3 Shroud adjusters.
8.9.1.4 Self-bailers.
8.9.1.5 Bilge pumps.
8.9.2 The following parts or equipment may be replaced providing that the replacement performs a similar function. The replacement parts or equipment may be obtained from any supplier:
8.9.2.1 Fastenings.
8.9.2.2 Cam cleats, clam cleats, Spinlock jammers etc.
8.9.2.3 Shackles, swivels and pins, lashings and elastics.
8.9.2.4 Running rigging, ropes and lashings.
8.9.2.5 Main halliard and halliard securing device, maximum velocity ratio 2:1
8.9.2.6 Jib halliard and halliard securing device, maximum velocity ratio 2:1. Modification of a mast not originally fitted with a 2;1 halliard system shall comply with the guidelines set out in Appendix A to these rules.
8.9.2.7 Tiller extension.
8.9.2.8 Batten tensioning devices.
8.9.2.9 Control lines.
8.9.2.10 Bungs.
8.9.2.11 Wire rigging, kicking strap and rig tension purchases with the following restrictions on construction and sizes:-
8.9.2.11.1 Shrouds - stainless steel wire not less than 5mm dia. D1s may be 4mm comprising at least 7 strands which may be round or preformed.
8.9.2.11.2 Forestay - 4mm, comprising at least 7 strands which maybe round or preformed.
8.9.2.12 Spinnaker ratchet blocks.
8.9.2.13 Spinnaker tray, bag or sock.
8.9.2.12 Inspection hatches.
8.9.2.13 Spinnaker chute cover.
8.9.3 Permitted Additions and Alterations. Parts maybe obtained from any supplier.
8.9.3.1 A single or double-ended aluminium spinnaker pole may be used in lieu of the aluminium twin-poles. No fittings, other than for stowage of the pole may be added to the boat. The replacement pole may not extend any further from the mast than the standard poles when set.
8.9.3.2 Non-slip material of any kind may be added to the decks.
8.9.3.3 The use of flexible adhesive tape, thin line or shock cord, as long as this does not modify the effective sheeting of any sail nor the intended purpose or action of any equipment.
8.9.3.4 Packers may be fitted under cleats.
8.9.3.5 Any number and design of mechanical wind indication devices may be fitted.
8.9.3.6 Calibration marks of any kind are permitted.
8.9.3.7 Any additional equipment required for strictly safety purposes may be fitted or carried on board.
8.9.3.8 Clips, ties or bags to secure safety or other equipment are permitted.
8.9.3.9 Additional drainage holes and inspection hatches may be fitted to the hull provided they do not compromise the watertight integrity of any hull compartments.
8.9.3.10 Sail battens may be tapered or adjusted as required.
8.9.3.11 A self bailer non-return flap may be fitted.
8.9.3.12 Any number of items may be fitted to the hull or spars provided their sole function is to stow food and/or drinks.
8.9.3.13 Maps, charts & means for recording compass headings may be carried or fixed to the hull.
8.9.3.14 The total velocity ratio in each of the control line systems may not exceed: Kicking strap: 16:1, Cunninghams: Main - 8:1, Fore 2:1, Clew outhaul : 6:1, Rig tension: 16:1, Foresheet: 4:1.
8.9.3.15 The termination of control lines is optional. The standard supplied lines may lead continuously to another control line, or to handles, bushes, standing eyes and small stowage bags. Simple elastic take-ups/ "tidies" are permitted provided they are incorporated under the thwart moulding or side decks.
8.9.3.16 The mainsheet system is optional provided it incorporates the existing track on the after deck for the traveller and that it is operated from the thwart area. Additional blocks and cleats may be added as required.
8.9.3.17 Cleats, clips or other means are permitted for belaying the spinnaker sheets.
8.9.3.18 Two manual bilge pumps may be fitted into the central thwart, for the purpose of assisting the rapid bailing of water.
8.9.3.19 An ensign, staff and socket may be affixed to the sterndeck.
8.9.3.20 The tiller length is optional. Tillers may be obtained from any supplier but must attach to the standard RS supplied rudder head fitting.
8.9.3.21 Positioning of the mainsheet traveller control cleats on the thwart is optional, together with their associated turning blocks and guides.
8.9.3.22 A control line system may be installed to control the jib sheet car position. The maximum velocity ratio of this is 4:1. It may be led to two cleats, one either side of the boat.
8.9.3.23 A 'weedstick' may be carried on board.
8.9.3.24 The length of all running rigging and control lines is not specified.
8.9.4 Permitted equipment. The equipment detailed in Rules 8.9.4.1. to 8.9.4.9 may be carried on board and may be used when racing:
8.9.4.1 An echo sounder.
8.9.4.2 A GPS. GPS may only be used for mark finding and boat speed information during the course of a race. For the avoidance of doubt, before the start signal of any race the use of GPS to determine the position of starting marks, or the start line, is not permitted.
8.9.4.3 A log.
8.9.4.4 Compasses (magnetic or electronic).
8.9.4.5 A battery or batteries to power the equipment in this section.
8.9.4.6 Navigation lights.
8.9.4.7 A VHF set.
8.9.4.8 Warps and fenders.
8.9.4.9 Additional bailing buckets.
Appendix to Rule 8.9.2.6
Where a mast has not been fitted with a 2:1 jib halliard, it may be so modified either by fitting a two-hole fastening eye where the top hole is shared with the bottom fastening of the halyard sheave and a new hole is made below to accommodate the bottom hole of the fastening eye, or by making two holes in the mast in accordance with the fitting kit as supplied by RS Sailing. Modifications must comply with this specification and no other form of mast modification is permitted.