Rules Change: Any Type of Electronic Device Allowed

Effective January 1, 2026, the current rule C.5.1.3 is changed as follows:

Old rule:

C.5  PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

C.5.1 FOR USE
(a) OPTIONAL

1. Any electronic or mechanical timing devices.
2. Any magnetic compass.
3. Any multi function electronic compass with steering and time functions only.
4. Spare parts such as blocks, shackles, ropes, lines, tools such as knife, screwdriver, whistle.
5. Any compass bracket.

New rule:

C.5  PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

C.5.1 FOR USE
(a) OPTIONAL

1. Any electronic or mechanical timing devices.
2. Any magnetic compass.
3. Any multi function electronic device including compass, sailing instruments with GPS, wind data, auto-pilot.
4. Spare parts such as blocks, shackles, ropes, lines, tools such as knife, screwdriver, whistle.
5. Any instrument display, sensor, transducer, processor, bracket.

With evident bitterness, Antonio Bari declared: “The Technical Committee has decided to permit the use of any electronic device. It became impractical to thoroughly inspect every device and enforce compliance. We grew weary of reviewing Notices of Race and granting organizing authorities permission for onboard electronics. We acknowledge that times have changed, and individuals are now investing more in electronic tools than in sails.”

[April fool story]