European Open Sailor’s Forum

During the European Championship a Sailors forum was held in Kamien Pomorski.

Kamien Pomorski, Poland, August 19, 2014

The following topics were suggested from the sailors for discussion:

• Jib Cloth

The Rules Committee felt that the jibs were not lasting as long as previously and therefore increased the jib cloth to 160 g/sm. The sailors over the past several years had asked the SCIRA Board to extend the introduction & delay the enforcement of the new rule

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Several sailors gave their opinion that the 160 g/sm jibs were not lasting as long as anticipated. Sailmakers in attendance described that only 2 cloth manufacturers are currently producing cloth that meets this tolerance as well as the current rule does not specify the % of cloth, thread or resin required to meet the 160 g/sm.

It was suggested that a poll be taken by the sailors at the conclusion of the Europeans on the state of their jibs, as this is to be a windy event.

• Moveable Mast Step

Currently the SCIRA rules prohibit the movement of the mast step during racing. It is ok to adjust between races (as with spreaders). Discussion of some currently produced mast step systems and the opportunity for sailors to cheat. Antonio Bari (Chm. SCIRA Rules Committee) described this as a difficult rule to conform to the ISAF rules template. The conclusion was to leave the rule as it currently stands.

• 15m towline

Discussion of why a 15m towline was necessary. After discussion, safety is the reason (for big seas with a broken mast, for instance) and it was accepted.

• Hull Weight

The vast majority of sailors (in attendance) support the current hull weight

• Daggerboard height

Discussion of how to enforce the current issue of sailors raising blades higher than allowed. Pietro Fantoni outlined his proposal to the SCIRA Technical Committee only allowing 2 systems: hook or flap. Discussion of adding a stainless cable over the top, but it must be allowed to be removed to clear weeds, etc. Discussion of checking the centerboard safety lines more closely.

• Combine Jr & Sr European Championship

The 2014 Jr Europeans only had 7 boats which made hosting a separate championship very expensive for the host country. Alexandre Tinoco discussed the success of combining the S. American Jr/Sr with awards for both within the once championship. It was suggested that in instances where >30 boats are expected for Juniors, a separate event be held. European GS Zbigniew Rakocy will work with several European NS to rewrite the Deed of Gift to present to SCIRA UK for approval. The Promotion Committee will also be looking at combining or separating events.

• Open Europeans

Discussion of the pros and cons of the Open Europeans. GS Rakocy discussed it was easier to attract sponsors when expecting 60-80 boats. Spain suggested having the registration going through the National Secretary to decide who will represent the country. Discussion of the host venue to realistically estimate the total number of boats that the venue can handle, and set the limit & quotas from that.