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120. Is it permissible to remove the block from the spinnaker twing system to make it a 1:1 purchase?
No, according to Class Rule 10.3
121. Is it permissible to take one of the snap shackles/Tylaskas from the "U" bolt fitting in the bow and attach it to the "U" bolt with a shackle. The end result being that two snap shackles/Tylaskas are present but that one is shackled on permanently. The reason is to help the jib set better in light air.
No, according to Class Rules 3.4, 7.6 and 10.3
122 Is it permissible to have halyards that are either sewn or not sewn?
Yes, according to Class Rule 3.4.
123. Is it permissible to remove the wheel well after converting to a tiller?
No, according to Class Rules 3.4, 7.3 and 7.6.
124. Is it permissible to shorten the topmast backstay?
No according to Class Rules 3.4, 7.3, 10.3 h, 18.3, 35.1, Drawing #25 and interpretation #4.
125. Is it permissible to replace the jib tack ring with a Tylaska or equivalent shackle, or to add an additional shackle between the jib tack ring and the builder supplied Tylaska shackles that are attached to the boat stem U-bolt?
No according to Class Rules 1.0 and 3.4.
126. Is it permissible to mount the antenna for the VHF radio inside the boat?
Yes. The VHF antenna location is not specified in either the Farr 40 Class Rules or in the ISAF Special Regulations Category 4. Local regulations governing VHF antennas and documentation for regattas that are not Category 4 should be checked to make sure boats are in compliance.
127. Is it permissible to change the canted inside walls of the mast/deck partners (by adding laminate, filler, etc.) so the walls are vertical to allow the Spartite to stay on the mast and not have to be removed every time the mast is removed.
Yes, according to Class Rule 3.4. These modifications are not considered to alter the One Design configuration of the yachts. Mast collars may be modified by adding material to allow removable chocks, but shall not be modified by removing material.
128. Is it permissible to cover the on-deck bilge pump fitting with stickyback or any other type of tape?
No, according to ISAF Special Regulations Category 4, 2.03.1 (d) “All equipment...shall be readily accessible.”
129. Is it permissible to use a Nomex/poly, Kevlar/poly or PBO/poly blended cover on the jib sheets?
Yes, cover material is not specified in Appendix 6. Jib sheets must comply with the core material specifications and cover strip length.
130. Is it permissible to splice the vang line together to make it a continuous line?
Yes, for safety reasons, the Management Group approves this request according to Class Rule 3.4. The splice shall meet the minimum breaking strength of the vang line. (This modifies Interpretation #96)
131. Is it permissible to have a full length batten pocket over an existing pocket to enable either a full length batten or a half length batten in the light, medium or heavy jib?
No, according to Class Rules 3.4 and Drawing 24B. If an existing sail has a full length batten pocket, other than the top batten, it shall be securely machine or hand sewn shut (with a minimum of 10 hand stitches).
132. What is the maximum jib batten length?
According to Drawing 24B, the top batten shall be full length. The remaining three battens shall be no longer than 1.25 m. Jib battens shall be approximately equally spaced along the leech of the jib.
133. Is it permissible to hand-stitch the sail buttons onto the sails to comply with Class Rule 25.6?
Yes, buttons must be either machine sewn all the way around or hand stitched with a minimum of three stitches per corner.
134. Is it permissible to replace the engine with Yanmar model 3YM30F, since the original model 3GM30FC has been discontinued?
Yes, model 3YM30F has been approved as equivalent equipment by the Management Group and the Designer, according to Class Rule 13.1
135. Is it permissible to replace the standard builder-supplied Tuff Luff Headfoil #1706.59 with a Harken Carbo Racing foil # 001.16?
Yes, the new foil meets the weight and dimension specifications of the Class Rules and is approved by the Management Group according to Class Rule 18.3 136. Is it permissible to build a spinnaker in 2006 to the new masthead spinnaker rule recently passed by the class, and have it buttoned prior to January 1, 2007, using a 2006 sail button?
No. Buttons may only be used on new class sails according to class Rule 25.6. The new masthead spinnakers only become "class sails" on and from the 1st January 2007. Any new masthead spinnaker will need to be buttoned on or after that date with a 2007 button. An extra button will be allowed in 2007 for a masthead spinnaker.
137. Is it permissible to refinish original Builder Supplied Hardware to extend the usable life and improve the appearance of the hardware? This may include, but not be limited to, re-texturing and re-anodizing worn winch drums.
Yes, provided that the refinishing does not affect weight or efficiency of the winch and any other builder supplied equipment.
138. Is it permissible to remove one of the two fractional wing halyards exiting on the starboard side of the mast in order to install the masthead spinnaker halyard, using the existing turning block?
Yes, Class Rule 19.8 requires a minimum of three forward halyards, so one starboard fractional wing halyard may be removed.
139. Is it permissible to add a fourth Spinlock XX0812 jammer (or replace an existing fourth Spinlock XCS jammer) on the cabintop for the masthead halyard or the topping lift?
Yes, an optional fourth jammer is allowed per Class Rule 3.4 and 10.3.
140. Is it permissible to replace the rudder bearings with the Jefa Rudder Series part number 41000?
Yes, as per Engineering Change Order 40023 from US Watercraft.
141. At what stage of manufacturing does spinnaker cloth weight need to be certified and recorded to insure that it complies with the minimum Farr 40 cloth weights?
Spinnaker cloth shall be weighed on an accurate scale capable of resolving .1 gram per square meter precision in accordance with textile industry standards.
A test shall be performed on a sample from each production batch of cloth immediately following the manufacture of each and every roll. The cloth weight shall be measured and recorded prior to cloth from the production batch being cut into sail panels or used in a finished sail. It is the responsibility of the sailcloth manufacturer to certify the test has been performed and recorded, and that rolls from the certified batch are appropriately labeled to indicate this certification, such as a “G40” or “G30” inventory number or product code on each packaged roll of cloth in accordance with the current Farr40 class minimum spinnaker weights of 40g/sq.m and 30g/sq.m.
142. Is it permissible to remove cockpit foot rests from the boat?
No, as per class rules 7.3 and 7.6.
143. Is it permitted for a crew member to wear a device or clothing that is designed to spread the load of the lifelines on the abdomen, to make hiking more comfortable or that permits a crew member to hike harder, further, longer or more aggressively?
No. Such clothing or device is considered to be a device that is designed to position the crew member’s body outboard and it therefore is not permitted under RRS 49.1.
144. Is it permissible to install foam padding on the lower life line as it is not a builder supplied item and it is not covered by class rules?
Yes, provided the foam padding & cover do not exceed 1 ½” overall diameter. Per Class Rule 10.4 the lower lifeline deflection shall be measured from the center of the lower lifeline wire.
Interpretation 144 was withdrawn on 4 March 2008 and replaced with Iterpretation 145.
145. Is it permissible to install foam padding on the lower life line as it is not a builder supplied item and it is not covered by class rules?
Yes, provided the foam padding & cover do not exceed 3” overall diameter. Per Class Rule 10.4 the lower lifeline deflection shall be measured from the center of the lower lifeline wire.
146. Is it permissible to carry a Trysail onboard in addition to the 9 declared sails on the Appendix 5 document during Farr 40 class racing?
No. As per Class Rule 25.1 unless the event is a designated Farr 40 distance Race and Appendix 5.
147. Is it permissible to carry a Storm Jib onboard in addition to the 9 declared sails on the Appendix 5 document during Farr 40 class racing?
No. As per Class Rule 25.1 and Appendix 5.
148. Is it permissible to have a carbon fiber headboard, or in place of that a batten as a headboard stiffener?
Yes. The headboard or headboard stiffener may be constructed from, Carbon Reinforced Plastic, Kevlar Reinforced Plastic, Glass Reinforced Plastic, Aluminum, or Steel. The entire headboard shall fit within the dimensions defined in the following diagram # 31.
This Interpretation is effective September 1st, 2010. This Interpretation shall be incorporated into the class rule at the next AGM. See the PDF drawing here.
149. Are North 3DI Sails allowed for Class Racing?
No. The Executive Committee decided, prior to the 2011 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship, to ban North 3DI sails while other development classes like the TP 52 and Maxis experimented with the technology. The issue remains open to reconsideration after the 2011 Farr 40 European Championship in Istanbul, Turkey in October, when the Executive Committee will revisit it and decide how to proceed. The rationale is that the Farr 40 Class, as it has done with new technology in the past, should allow other classes to work out the bugs before permitting the use of North 3DI sails. The ban shall remain in effect until the Executive Committee rules otherwise.
150. As a paid up Class member for 2010, if I elect to join for 2011 as a Corinthian member do I qualify for a One Design Certificate and nine sail buttons at no charge?
No. The intent is to attract Corinthian Farr 40 owners who have not been members of the Class in the past two years. Only Corinthian owners who have not been members of the Class Association since 2008 or before shall qualify for a One Design Certificate and nine sail buttons at no charge.
151. May you change the Offshore Spinnaker rule from a fractional spinnaker to masthead spinnaker?
Yes. Rule 29 defines the offshore spinnaker as fractional. However since the Class has allowed masthead spinnakers an longer poles, effective immediately it is permitted to use a masthead spinnaker, constructed from cloth of no less than 40 grams/meter2, as the offshore spinnaker.
152. I am replacing my jib tracks and cars and mainsheet traveler track and car. The original builder supplied parts are no longer available. What am I permitted to use.
You are permitted to use the following Harken parts for replacement of the parts which are no longer available.
Jib Tracks: Harken R27.1.2M 27mm Midrange Track 1.2 meters long Jib Cars: Harken HMR97 27mm Midrange, Farr 40 with reinforcement
Mainsail Traveler Track: Harken R32.2.1M 32mm BigBoat Track 2.1 meters long Main Traveler Car: Harken T3203B.HL 32mm BigBoat HiLoad, Toggle with Ears
In addition, if one of the mounting bolts on the jib tracks penetrates the main bulkhead preventing a washer and nut from being installed, you may move the track 50 mm aft, but the track may not be shortened from its original length. The distance from station 7 to the aft end of useable length shall be 2425mm +/- 15mm. The track may not be moved inboard or outboard from its current location.
Further, any yacht removing then reinstalling existing tracks for maintenance purposes may relocate them in accordance with this interpretation.
153. Will North 3Di sails be allowed for Class Racing in 2012?
Yes. The Class Technical Committee has approved a phase-in of the use of 3Di sails, with a partial inventory allowance of three (3) 3Di sails for 2012, as part of each boat’s allotment per Rule 25.6 (d). This becomes effective January 1, 2012 and applies to all boats including any new boats or brokerage boats purchased in 2012.
At the end of the 2012 northern hemisphere season the Technical Committee will revisit the issue and decide whether to allow unrestricted use of 3Di mainsails and jibs for 2013.
In addition the Class Technical Committee has approved the use of carbon fiber, and 3Di construction, for the required heavy weather jib, effective July 18, 2011. As that sail does not require a button it does not count towards the three (3) 3Di sails described in the first paragraph of this Interpretation.
154. Are we allowed to add a G-10 plate around the top of the keel for fairing to facilitate easier removal and fitting of the keel to the hull?
Yes. The seam between the edges of the keel flange and keel recess in the hull may be faired over a distance no more than 60 mm each side of the seam. Materials that may be used for fairing are filler, fiberglass and G-10. Carbon fiber, Kevlar or metals are not permitted. It is not permissible to rebate the hull or keel flange.
155. Is it permissible to mount the traveler deflector blocks inside the boat? The reason for this is to clean up the cockpit walls to make the boat look more modern.
Yes. The original builder-supplied deflector blocks may be mounted on the inside of the cockpit walls. They shall remain at the same height and longitudinal position as the original location and may not be removed.
156. Will the current limit of three 3Di sails that was in effect for 2012, according to Interpretation # 153, be removed after 2012?
Yes. The 2012 limit of three 3Di sails shall cease effective January 1, 2013 after which any mainsails or jibs permitted in the Class Rules may be of 3Di construction.
157. Is it permissible to replace my current original NAVTEC A320 backstay pump with the newer NAVTEC A322 pump?
Yes, NAVTEC has confirmed they plan to phase out the A320 model and the A322 model is an approved replacement.
Rationale: Although the NAVTEC A322 model is faster than the original NAVTEC A320 model, it is slightly slower than the SEATEC T5-1 pump that is already allowed per Interpretation # 1. The SEATEC T5-1 pump is marginally heavier than the NAVTEC A322 and both the speed differential and weight difference are considered insignificant.
158. Is it permissible to remove mast chocks "Spartite", or similar mast blocking from the partners and sail with the mast "floating" freely through the partners?
No: Per Class Rule 19.14 - Altering the location, or height, of the mast at the step, or at the deck, after the yacht has left the dock for the first race of the day is not permitted.
Removing the chocks, Spartite or similar mast blocking from the partners at any time allows the mast to move at the deck and is hereby is interpreted as altering the location of the mast at the deck.
159. Is it permissible to use soft shackles on the jib sheets as an alternative to the Press-Lock Jr. shackle described in Appendix 6? The cost of the Press-Lock Jr. shackle retails around $154.00 vs. a soft shackle at approximately $35.00. As well as being a less expensive option, the soft shackle prevents damage to the spinnaker pole track and deck as there are no metal parts flying around the place!
Yes. Although Interpretation # 92 previously disallowed that request, quoting Appendix 6 as specifying the required fitting as a Press Lock Jr, less expensive alternatives that do not cause the damage Press Lock Jrs do have become readily available and proven reliable. Soft shackles having a minimum breaking strength of 1,980 Kg are hereby approved for use on jib sheets only. This interpretation supersedes Interpretation 92.
160. Is it permissible to replace the originally specified internal traveler blocks that are no longer available from Harken with their newer Carbo Block models of similar strength?
Yes, as Harken is phasing out several of their Classic Blocks that were originally specified their newer Carbo Blocks may be used on the internal traveler system as well as several other systems as follows:
| Original Specification | Permitted Replacement |
|
Genoa Inhaul |
343NP 29 mm Carbo Double Swivel W/Bkt 343NP 29 mm Carbo Triple Swivel |
| Spinnaker Foreguy 001NP Blk 2.25" 002 Blk 2.25" W/Bkt |
2600 57 mm Carbo Single Swivel 2601 57 mm Carbo Single Swivel W/Bkt |
| Spinnaker Twing Lines 125A Blk-Big Bullet |
2149NP 40 mm Carbo T2 |
| Mainsheet Traveler and Control System 011NP Blk 3" Cruising 129 Blk-Big Bullet Triple 130 Blk-Big Bullet Triple W/Bkt 168NP Blk-Big Bullet Swivel |
2660NP 75 mm Carbo Single Swivel 2640NP 40 mm Carbo Single Swivel 2641NP 40 mm Carbo Triple Swivel W/Bkt 2636NP 40 mm Single Swivel |
| Lead Adjusters 053 Blk 2.25" Fiddle 054 Blk 2.25" Fiddle W/Bkt |
2621 57 mm Carbo Fiddle 2622 57 mm Carbo Fiddle W/Bkt |
| Outhaul 127NP Blk-Big Bullet Double 129 Blk-Big Bullet Triple |
2638NP 40 mm Carbo Double Swivel 2640NP 40 mm Carbo Triple Swivel |
| Cunningham 127NP Blk-Big Bullet Double 129 Blk-Big Bullet Triple |
2638NP 40 mm Carbo Double Swivel 2640NP 40 mm Carbo Triple Swivel |
161. With regards to Interpretation # 159 issued in June is it permissible to directly attach the jib sheet onto the clew of the sail? With a soft shackle now being allowed we feel this could mean we can use the loop of the jib sheet to cow hitch or loop back through itself to attach the sheets to the sail. Could you please clarify if we are able to do this?
Yes, a vote by owners at the 2013 AGM was in favor of allowing the jib sheets to be attached directly to the jib clew-ring by passing the end of the jib sheet through a spliced loop at the other end to loop back through itself or cow-hitch it to the clew-ring.
162. Are Doyle Carbon/ICE Sails allowed for Class Racing?
Yes. Doyle Carbon/ICE sails comply with Class Rule 25.4, have proven to be reliable and the Class is satisfied with their durability.
163. Are T-Rings allowed on headsails for Class Racing? The benefit is quick and easy removal of sheets, along with the sail when sheeted in sitting flush on the deck preventing damage to the cabin top and inhauler system.
No.
164. We have noticed that some boats have a cover plate over the exterior housing of the lower rudder bearing. Are we allowed to add such a cover to protect the bearing?
Yes. Although Rule 3.4 (Modifications) prohibits modifications that could alter the one design nature of a boat, some boats were supplied by builders with a cover over the exterior housing of the lower rudder bearing. Allowing boats without a cover does not alter the one design nature.
Rationale: As all builders except Carroll Marine installed a G-10 (or similar material) flush ring to cover the exposed part of the lower rudder bearing, and as that cover helps reduce turbulence, owners of Carroll Marine built boats should be allowed to match the lower bearing fairing ring on boats built by other builders.
165. What is the maximum allowable dimension between the top surface of the keel grid and the underside of the mast heel?
The maximum dimension, including the mast step is 81 mm. See diagram below.
Class Rule 19.12 (b) defines the maximum BHAS as 1760. A range of 1750 to 1760 is allowed and any boat with BHAS of less than 1750 may add one shim of the thickness needed to bring BHAS up to 1750, even if that causes the dimension defined above to exceed 81 mm.
Interpretation 165 Brick Stack Clafification with Diagram.pdf
166. Is it legal to use carbon fiber battens in jibs?
Yes. Carbon fiber battens may be used in jibs.
167. I am unable to find Station 7. How do I locate aft limit of useable jib track?
The location of the aft end of useable track was referenced to Station 7. Station 7 was marked by a notch in the deck that may have been filled and painted. In addition original equipment jib cars have been replaced by the manufacturer with cars that have sheaves further aft.
The dimension, measured from the forward face of the headstay tang at the height of the headstay pin center, to the center of the jib car sheave pin shall not exceed 5800 mm.
168. Future Fibres, formerly Composite Rigging have been the Farr 40 Class supplier for the Aramid backstay on the Farr 40 since 1997. In 2015 the lower end interface described as "1/2 Bale" was no longer available due to the depletion of stock and the part becoming obsolete. We would like to replace the part with a similar interface also known as "1/2 Bale" but produced by another supplier. The original part was manufactured by Sparcraft and subsequently bought out by Tylaska. The appearance of the bale is slightly different but the weights remain the same between .240 and .280 grams. Future Fibres would like to ask the class to update their rule to allow such change.
The Tylaska "1/2 Bale" is approved as a replacement for the originally supplied Sparcraft "1/2 Bale".
169. Is it permissible to replace the hydraulic panel and cylinder with Harken equipment?
Yes. The Harken HYACXPXB1J Compact panel, and Harken HYCS035130350BCC cylinder have been approved for use. The Harken products are very similar to the current Seatec and Navtec products and provide no competitive advantage in weight, flow rate, or cylinder length.