RS Elite Class Rules
1. INTRODUCTION and TITLE
1.1 The RS Elite Class has been created as a strict One Design racing sailboat. It has been designed on the fundamental principle that racing results should depend primarily on the skills of the crew. The fundamental objective of the Class Constitution and One Design Rules is to ensure that this concept is maintained.
1.2 The title of the association shall be the RS ELITE CLASS ASSOCIATION .
1.3 The English text of these Rules shall govern.
2. AIMS and OBJECTS
The objects of the Association are to promote and develop sailing in the RS Elite Class as a strict One Design class. In particular:-
2.1 To maintain the One Design character of the Elite,
2.2 To co-ordinate and manage the affairs and the Rules of the Class as laid down in the Elite Class Owners' Constitution and Rules, working with the Licence Holder [Phil Morrison] and the builder [LDC Racing Sailboats].
2.3 To make recommendations on the control of such matters to clubs and other bodies.
2.4 To encourage and co-ordinate competition in the Class.
2.5 To minimise the cost of racing in the Class.
3. MEMBERSHIP and ELIGIBILITY TO RACE
3.1 Full Membership of the Association is open to any owner or joint owner of a properly certified Elite. A joint owner must own at least 1/64th of the yacht.
3.2 Associate Membership of the Association is open to anyone who applies.
3.3 Family Membership of the Association is open to parents/partners [one of whom must be an owner/joint owner] and children under 18 of any one family, or under 24 if in full time education.
3.4 Only Full, Associate and Family Members of the Association are eligible to helm and compete for points, places or prizes in One Design Championships, Open Elite One Design races or Series of races.
3.5 Only Full or Family Members have a vote on Association matters at AGMs and EGMs. However, syndicate-owned boats have only one vote per boat.
3.6 As the normal rule, results will be attributed to individual boats, not helms.
3.7 Exceptionally, particularly in short series events, results may be attributed to individual, named helms.
3.8 Exceptions to Rule 3 may be authorised by the Class Management Committee in response to formal request.
4. MANAGEMENT
4.1 A Class Management Committee of not less than four Members shall normally manage the affairs of the Association. All committee members must stand down within three years of appointment. They may stand for re-election.
4.2 The committee shall be elected at the AGM of the Association.
4.3 The committee shall appoint out of their number - a Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Rules Co-Ordinator, a Builder's representative and any other officers thought necessary. At least four members of the Committee are required to be present at a meeting to form a 'quorum'.
4.4 Each AGM of the Association must be held not later than 15 months after the previous AGM.
4.5 At least three weeks notice of any AGM shall be given in writing to all Members along with a complete agenda of business intended.
4.6 Proposed changes to the Class Constitution and One Design Rules will be advised to all Members, normally with the notice of the AGM. Any member may submit such proposed changes for consideration at AGM provided a formal proposal is sent to the Committee at least one month before the AGM. No significant changes shall be made without the approval of at least 2/3rds of the Association membership who have voted on the proposal.
4.7 Members who are unable to attend the AGM may give their proxy [and directions] to the chair in writing.
4.8 Any other meeting shall be termed an Extraordinary General Meeting. The Committee may, whenever it thinks fit, call an EGM and shall do so within 60 days of the receipt by the Chairman of a requisition in writing stating the object of the proposed meeting. An EGM can be proposed in the following ways:-
a. By one member of the Committee - seconded by at least two other members of the Committee.
b. By one Member of the Association - seconded by at least six other Members.
4.9 An EGM shall have the same powers as an AGM.
4.10 Proper Minutes of all AGMs and EGMs shall be taken and distributed to all full members on completion. Minutes shall be read and confirmed at the subsequent AGM.
ers will be distributed to Members by Email only unless specifically requested otherwise.
5. FINANCE
5.1 The amount of the subscriptions is determined annually by the committee. [Initially, £25 per year Full Members, £35 per year Family membership and £15 per year Associate Members].
5.1 Subscriptions are due on the first day of January each year. New Members joining after the first day of January will be charged the annual fee for the year.
5.2 No person may enjoy the rights of the Association until their subscription is paid in full.
6. ACCOUNTS
6.1 The committee shall ensure that a proper record is maintained of all receipts and payments of the Association and that a proper financial statement is presented to members at the AGM.
Addendum to the Constitution
The responsibilities of the committee include: -
To be aware of the Constitution and to run the Class in accordance with the Constitution.
To co-ordinate, maintain and publish the Elite Class Owners Association One Design Rules in accordance with the wishes of the Members.
To organise the Class racing and social programme.
To publish a newsletter and appropriate similar information.
To encourage all owners to join the Association and to remain Members.
To manage the processing of any proposed modifications to the RS Elite.
To be responsible for the funds and property of the Association.
To monitor [by occasional scrutiny] conformity of boats with the Class Measurement Rules.
Scrutineering and resolution of Class compliance and conformity disputes.
Individual responsibilities:-
Co-ordination and management of executive team.
Appointment of Class Captain.
Running of AGMs and EGMs.
Editing of the Class newsletter.
Class Modifications Co-Ordinator.
Recording and distribution of the Minutes of AGMs and EGMs
Co-ordination and maintenance of the One Design Rules.
Co-ordination and maintenance of the Association Rules.
Banking money, paying bills, keeping Association accounts.
Hearing proposals for additional or changed expenditure.
Valuing and insuring Association assets.
Producing statement of accounts for AGM.
Monitoring of the current and potential future financial situation.
Collecting subscriptions.
Maintenance of membership records
Maintenance of record of boat ownership, certification and details.
Collation and publication of race and prize results.
Tracking of Associations assets and recording their whereabouts
Maintenance of website, including diary of events, results of recent events, 'for sale' list, etc.
Providing liaison between Association and the Builder.
7. CLASS ONE DESIGN RULES
7.1. INTRODUCTION
7.1.1 The RS Elite One Design Class yacht has been created as strict one-design racing keelboat. It has been designed on the fundamental principle that the racing results should depend solely on the attributes and skills of the crew.
7.1.2 The fundamental objective of these Class Rules (the Rules) is to ensure that this concept is maintained.
The English text of these Rules shall govern.
7.2. DEFINED TERMS
7.2.1 All words that appear in quotation marks will, throughout these Rules have the meaning given to them as defined in appendix 1.
7.3. CLASS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
7.3.1 To be eligible to compete in events run under the auspices of the UK RS Elite Class Association (the Class Association) the owner, or joint owner of an RS Elite must be a full member of the Class Association. The Class Association further defines that helms in certain events - Nationals, Cowes Week, Burnham Week at present - shall be Full, Associate or Family members of the Association.
7.4. FUNDAMENTAL RULES
7.4.1 The complete boat and its crew/helmsman shall conform to these Rules and their Addenda at all times when racing.
7.4.2 The external and internal mouldings including the "Hull" of the RS Elite shall only be produced by the Licensed Builder or from production moulds taken from the Master plugs held by the Copyright Holder.
7.4.3 The sails, comprising mainsail, jib, and spinnaker, may be obtained only from the Licensed Builder or a "Licensed Supplier".
7.4.4 All other equipment including "Spars", rudder, stock, tiller, fittings, whether original or replacement, shall be those supplied by the Licensed Builder except as specifically authorised by these Rules.
7.4.5 No additions, alterations or repairs may be made to the RS Elite unless specifically authorised by the Rules. These restrictions shall extend to the position and intended function of each item.
7.4.6 No performance advantage shall be obtained from any permitted replacement, addition or repair. The permitted replacements, additions, alterations and repairs described in the Rules are subject to this overriding limitation.
7.4.6A 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 7.5 below
7.4.7 Repairs and preventative maintenance may be carried out without violating these rules, provided repairs are made in such a way that the essential shape, characteristics or function of the original are not affected.
7.4.8 Preventative maintenance shall include the replacement of fastenings with alternatives provided that the equipment is replaced in the original position and in accordance with these rules where relevant.
7.4.9 Polishing or burnishing of "hull" and rudder is permitted, but substantial filing or abrasion, other than for the purpose of repair, with the effect of modifying the shape or performance is not allowed. Painting and subsequent burnishing of a "hull", or rudder, which requires refinishing, is permitted.
7.4.10 Sponsorship & Advertising: The RS Elite & events will be operated under the ISAF Category C. There will be no restriction on the number or coverage of advertisers logos or slogans except for the front 25% of the hull and bottom 10% of the mainsail are reserved for event and circuit sponsors.
7.5. LICENSED BUILDERS, HULL IDENTIFICATION, SAIL NUMBERS & INSIGNIA
7.5.1 The Builders of the RS Elite shall be only those licensed by the Copyright Holder under a Builder's Agreement (the Licensed Builder).
7.5.2 Each hull shall carry a moulded-in hull number or individually numbered Royalty Plaque fixed in a readily visible position as prescribed by the Copyright Holder.
7.5.3 On being advised of the hull or Royalty Plaque number the Copyright Holder (or his authorised agent) shall issue each new hull with a Sail Number.
7.5.4 The Class Insignia shall be the RS Elite class logo as prescribed by the Licensed Builder.
7.6. MEASUREMENT
7.6.1 In the event of a dispute alleging non-compliance with these Rules, the matter shall be referred, via the RS Elite Rules Co-ordinator, to the RS Elite Class Association Committee. Their decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
7.6.2 In the case of a measurement dispute not explicitly covered by these Rules, the following procedure shall be adopted:
7.6.2.1 A sample of the dimensions and specifications for the disputed item shall be obtained by taking the identical measurement and specifications from five other boats or items of equipment, which are not the subject of the dispute.
7.6.2.2 The dimensions and specifications of the disputed item shall be compared to the sample, using the same technique as in 6.2.1 above.
7.6.2.3 If any of the dimensions obtained from the disputed boat or item of equipment lie outside the corresponding range of dimensions found in the sample by more than 10% of that range, the matter together with the details of the measurement methods and any other relevant information shall be referred to the Rules Co-ordinator of the Class Association.
7.6.2.4 The Rules Co-ordinator shall subsequently obtain a unanimous decision from the Copyright Holder, Licensed Builder and the RS Elite Class Association. The decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
7.7. SAILING REQUIREMENTS
7.7.1 The Crew, including helmsman , shall only exceed three or be less than two by special dispensation from the Race Management of that event.
7.7.2 No clothing and equipment of the helm and crew shall be worn with the specific feature of adding weight by water absorption or holding water in pockets, compartments, containers or any other method.
7.7.3 At all times when racing the helmsman and crew shall kneel, stand or sit in the normal position with their knees within the confines of the cockpit. The cockpit is outlined by the coaming or inner edge of the sidedeck. The use of toerails, shrouds, sheets, or any other attachment for the purposes of "leaning" out is prohibited.
7.7.4 For "emergency" purposes crew members may be allowed outside of the cockpit, for the sole purpose of dealing with the "emergency", but must return as soon as the "emergency" is over.
7.7.5 The rudder and hull up to the designed waterline must be covered in at least one coat of antifouling paint.
7.7.6 An anchor and/or chain of not less than 4kg in total weight , together with sufficient warp shall be carried when racing in tidal waters.
7.7.7 Two paddles and/or an outboard motor, bracket, and fuel shall be carried whilst racing.
7.7.8 At least two lifejackets/buoyancy aids shall be carried, plus one more if the crew is three in number.
7.7.9 A bucket or hand bailer shall be carried if no bilge pumps are fitted
8. PERMITTED VARIATIONS - HAVING BEEN AGREED BETWEEN THE CLASS ASSOCIATION, THE TITLE HOLDER AND THE BUILDER
8.9. REPLACEMENTS, ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS & EQUIPMENT.
8.9.1 Replacements :- The following parts or equipment may be replaced providing that the replacement is of a similar make and type and performs the same function. The replacement parts or equipment may be obtained from any supplier: -
8.9.1.1 Blocks, tracks and travellers.
8.9.1.2 Sail battens
8.9.1.3 Shroud adjusters
8.9.1.4 Self-bailers
8.9.1.5 Bilge pumps.
8.9.2 The following parts or equipment may be replaced providing that the replacement performs a similar function. The replacement parts or equipment may be obtained from any supplier: -
8.9.2.1 Fastenings.
8.9.2.2 Cam cleats, clam cleats, Spinlock jammers etc.
8.9.2.3 Shackles, swivels and pins, lashings and elastics.
8.9.2.4 Running rigging, ropes and lashings.
8.9.2.5 Main halliard and halliard securing device, maximum velocity ratio 2:1
8.9.2.6 Tiller extension.
8.9.2.7 Batten tensioning devices.
8.9.2.8 Control lines
8.9.2.8 Bungs.
8.9.2.9 Wire rigging, kicking strap and rig tension purchases with the following restrictions on construction and sizes:-
8.9.2.9.1 Shrouds - stainless steel wire not less than 5mm dia. D1s may be 4mm comprising at least 7 strands which may be round or preformed.
8.9.2.9.2 Forestay - 4mm, comprising at least 7 strands which maybe round or preformed.
8.9.2.10 Spinnaker ratchet blocks.
8.9.2.11 Spinnaker tray, bag or sock.
8.9.2.12 Inspection hatches.
8.9.2.13 Spinnaker chute cover.
8.9.3 Permitted Additions and Alterations. Parts maybe obtained from any supplier.
8.9.3.1 A single or double-ended aluminium spinnaker pole may be used in lieu of the aluminium twin-poles. No fittings, other than for stowage of the pole may be added to the boat. The replacement pole may not extend any further from the mast than the standard poles when set.
8.9.3.2 Non-slip material of any kind may be added to the decks.
8.9.3.3 The use of flexible adhesive tape, thin line or shock cord, as long as this does not modify the effective sheeting of any sail nor the intended purpose or action of any equipment
8.9.3.4 Packers may be fitted under cleats
8.9.3.5 Any number and design of mechanical wind indication devices may be fitted
8.9.3.6 Calibration marks of any kind are permitted.
8.9.3.7 Any additional equipment required for strictly safety purposes may be fitted or carried on board.
8.9.3.8 Clips, ties or bags to secure safety or other equipment are permitted
8.9.3.9 Additional drainage holes and inspection hatches may be fitted to the hull provided they do not compromise the watertight integrity of any hull compartments
8.9.3.10 Sail battens may be tapered or adjusted as required
8.9.3.11 A self bailer non-return flap may be fitted
8.9.3.12 Any number of items may be fitted to the hull or spars provided their sole function is to stow food and/or drinks
8.9.3.13 Maps, charts & means for recording compass headings may be carried or fixed to the hull.
8.9.3.14 The total velocity ratio in each of the control line systems may not exceed: Kicking strap: 16:1, Cunninghams: Main - 8:1, Fore 2:1, Clew outhaul : 6:1, Rig tension: 16:1, Foresheet: 4:1.
8.9.3.15 The termination of control lines is optional. The standard supplied lines may lead continuously to another control line, or to handles, bushes, standing eyes and small stowage bags. Simple elastic take-ups/ "tidies" are permitted provided they are incorporated under the thwart moulding or side decks.
8.9.3.16 The mainsheet system is optional provided it incorporates the existing track on the after deck for the traveller and that it is operated from the thwart area. Additional blocks and cleats may be added as required.
8.9.3.17 Cleats, clips or other means are permitted for belaying the spinnaker sheets.
8.9.3.18 Two manual bilge pumps may be fitted into the central thwart, for the purpose of assisting the rapid bailing of water.
8.9.3.19 An ensign, staff and socket may be affixed to the sterndeck.
8.9.3.20 The tiller length is optional. Tillers may be obtained from any supplier but must attach to the standard RS supplied rudder head fitting.
8.9.3.21 Positioning of the mainsheet traveller control cleats on the thwart is optional, together with their associated turning blocks and guides.
8.9.3.22 A control line system may be installed to control the jib sheet car position. The maximum velocity ratio of this is 4:1. It may be led to two cleats, one either side of the boat.
8.9.3.23 A 'weedstick' may be carried on board.
8.9.3.24 The length of all running rigging and control lines is not specified.
8.9.4 Permitted equipment.
The equipment detailed in Rules 8.9.4.1. to 8.9.4.9 may be carried on board and may be used when racing:
8.9.4.1 An echo sounder.
8.9.4.2 A GPS - not linked to other instruments.
8.9.4.3 A log.
8.9.4.4 Compasses (magnetic or electronic)
8.9.4.5 A battery or batteries to power the equipment in this section
8.9.4.6 Navigation lights.
8.9.4.7 A VHF set.
8.9.4.8 Warps and fenders.
8.9.4.9 Additional bailing buckets.