Results summary of the Rules Questionnaire:

In summary:

• The vast majority want the rules to stay either as they are or to evolve gradually with new technology. There is very little support for more restrictive rules aimed at making the boat cheaper and simpler, and virtually none for making the rules less restrictive.

• An overwhelming majority are in favour of bringing our rules into line with ERS, as far as is possible.

• About 70% are against another vote on carbon spars this year. This is about the same proportion as voted against the motion to remove the ban on carbon spars at the ballot in 2003.

• More people are in favour of allowing carbon booms and spinnaker poles, but still about 60% are against the idea.

• More than 70% are against fully battened sails.

• Nearly 75% are against changing the sail plan.

• Over 70% are in favour of either retaining the ability to raise the centreboard by a lifting pin or allowing even greater movement. (57% want to keep the 200mm limit). Less than 30% are in favour of banning lifting pins.

• 70% favour either a restriction on the maximum length of centreboard, or reducing the maximum forward position of the plate case to achieve the same result.

• Only 15% are in favour of penalty correctors for boats presented wet at championship

• A close vote on whether we can just get rid of the existing thwart rule 5.2 or revise it to define how and where the maximum width is measured. About 53% favour doing away with it.

• Only 16% are in favour of banning double spreaders

• 87% do not want to be limited to one suit of sails at a championship.

• 59% do not want to be limited to one set of foils at a championship.

Chris Thorne
International Secretary
21 February 2005