28 September 2024
Members have asked the committee to consider the antifouling rule. This was discussed at a committee meeting 10th September and due to the following considerations a rule change has been proposed: -
1) Practicalities
Modern antifoul paint is much less effective than it used to be leading to a larger number of boats being dry sailed or regularly lifted for cleaning. When dry-sailing antifoul paint isn’t needed, but may be applied by choice.
Might this give an unfair advantage of one boat v’s the other? The committee felt t the paint itself is not the key differentiator. The committee believes the bigger advantage in season is likely gained by the hull being clean. They also perceive that any team attending a championship is likely to sand or burnish their boat's anti-foul to a smooth finish, thus negating any disadvantage of having antifoul paint applied. The weight of paint was not considered to be a material performance inhibitor.
2) Cost
Antifouling takes time, effort and costs money. The committee would like to keep running costs to a minimum and therefore feel that mandating the application is not in the interest of cost-effective sailing.
3) Environmental
Antifoul is by its very nature a toxic substance introducing VOC’s to environment during application and toxic substances leeching into the marine environment while afloat. Hence the committee would prefer to have the application of antifoul as optional rather than mandatory.
It is proposed that Class Rules 7.4.6A is deleted & 7.7.6 is amended as per below:
7.4.6A Deleted: 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 -
7.7.6 Changed
From: The rudder and hull up to the designed waterline must be covered in at least one coat of antifouling
To: The rudder and hull up to the designed waterline may be covered in at least one coat of antifouling
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