Outcome of Membership Vote - Changes to RS800 Class Rules

Following discussions at the 2003 RS800 Nationals, and class postal vote it was agreed that a number of boats would trial the rear mainsheet system for the 2004 season. The reason for the trial and proposed change was that the current RS800 main is very heavy to sheet in, making it difficult for smaller helms. Further to a successful trial, the RS800 class then voted on allowing the rear mainsheet system to be introduced on a permanent basis as an alternative to the existing centre mainsheet system. The vote has now closed and 46 votes were received. Thanks to those who took the time to vote. 38 of the voters (83%) agreed that the changes should be made to the RS800 class rules. The new rules are outlined below. The full rules are now on the website under documents and will be in your 2005 Yearbook. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the revised rules, please contact the RS Office. New paragraph 1.3.26: The mainsheet arrangements may be modified as follows: the use of a rear mainsheet system and twin tiller extensions is permitted as an alternative to the centre mainsheet system. Specifically, A velocity ratio of 2:1 is used mounted on a bridle at the aft of the boat / outboard end of the boom, then running parallel to the boom to a rolling block located on the boom, in line with the final turning block located on the floor of the boat, and must then pass through the final turning block mounted either on the cockpit floor or on a turret, in accordance with 1.3.19. The use of a plastic sleeve along the boom to guide the mainsheet and the use of a gybing strop are permitted. The addition of fittings on the boom is permitted as is the addition of a rope, rolling block and cleat between the in board end of the aft of the wings to prevent the leeward tiller from getting trapped under the wing, new holes may be drilled in the aft of the wings for this purpose. Apart from those specifically mentioned above no additional holes may be made in the boat and all ropes are to be led from existing fittings on the boat.� New clause 2.9: If the rear mainsheet system and twin tiller extensions are being used then the helmsman must take the mainsheet at all times and the mainsheet must to taken from the final turning block mounted either on the cockpit floor or on a turret, in accordance with 1.3.19. Specifically the mainsheet may not be taken by the crew up wind and may not be led directly from the boom.