Interpretation # 15
Received September 27, 2006

Request:

Regarding halyard terminations, we would like to suggest the option to use an alternate termination instead of the Tylaska T-8 on halyards; still within the guidelines of rule 18.4 which states that minimum strengths and rope specifications must be maintained. We currently attach the jib halyard to the swivel by the eye splice in the end of the halyard, bypassing the T-8 in order to guarantee the connection. Unfortunately, the bypassed shackle creates an issue when hoisted since the spinnaker halyard can get caught on it and the bypassed T-8 shackle contacts the lower jib halyard sheave box and forward face of the mast, creating some minor damage.

We propose the option of using a spliced eye in the end of the halyard attached directly to the halyard swivel with a D-shackle of appropriate strength to eliminate the multiple hazards when hoisted.

Interpretation:

The Management Group has reviewed the request and denied it in accordance with Rule 1.0. In addition the Management Group is of the opinion that a quick disconnect for a halyard is desirable in the event of failure of another halyard.

The following questions have been submitted to the Farr 395 Management Group and Chief Measurer for a ruling on permissibility, as per Class Rule 2.4 Interpretations and 3.6 Modifications. Please maintain all updates to this page in your Farr 395 Class Rule Book, Appendix 1. This publication includes all questions submitted to the Management Group as of 6 February 2001.

1. Submitted 6 February 2001. Is it permitted to install a G10 or equivalent plastic tube on the backstay as a roller for the top batten? The tube would be approximately 2-3 feet long and held in place by two lifeline stop collars or the equivalent. These parts would need to be installed prior to cold heading the rod.

No, per Class Rule 1.0.
6 February 2001

2. Is it permissible to upsize the builder supplied sprit extender blocks?

Yes. The original forward block Harken 168 can be replaced with Harken 001 or equivalent. The through-deck lead block Harken 131 can be replaced with Harken 047 or equivalent.

3. Is it permissible to add a padeye on the outboard edge of the deck to facilitate outboard sheeting of the jib?

Yes. The outboard lead should be a Harken 688 or equivalent, appropriately bolted and reinforced to the deck through the fiberglass laminate of the hull deck joint. Location and number of padeyes is at the owner's discretion.

4. Is it permissible to remove the forward V berth cabin door when racing.

Yes.

5. Is it permissible to install non-standard non-factory fitted mid ship cleats?

Yes per Rule 7.1 but if not installed by factory, there is no warranty coverage.

6. Is it permissible to replace the block for the bobstay with a D-shackle at the end of the builder-supplied spectra loop to prevent damage to the topsides and sprit?

Yes. As provided in Class Rule 3.6, this is permitted by the Management Group

7. Is it permissible to raise the swivel cam cleats for the vang and outhaul lines, using a base, to prevent damage to the boat?

Yes. As provided in Class Rule 3.6, this is permitted by the Management Group

8. Is is permissible to add foot braces for the mainsail trimmer?

Yes, according to Class Rule 3.6. Foot braces may be placed as appropriate, and of a suitable material, as long as they do not prevent installation or removability of cockpit bins/seats.

9. May main/jib/spinnaker halyards with the cover removed be used?

No per Rule 7.3 which does not allow alterations to the configuration, or any substitutions to any equipment, as originally supplied by the builder and Rule 7.6. Also halyards with the cover removed are more expensive and subject to UV degradation at a higher rate than covered halyards.

10. What is the minimum specification for such halyards? The rule is ambiguous.

The minimum specification for such halyards is per Appendix 3 of the Class Rules which has been clarified by adding "Min." to "Rope Size/Type" and deleting "Recommended" from "Recommended Min. Breaking Strength". They now read "Min. Rope Size/Type" and Min. Breaking Strength" respectively.

11. The original swivel cam cleats on the cabin top gouge out part of the spray hood when the vang or outhaul lines are pulled toward the center of the boat. I had Carroll Marine repair the gouges last summer and they have reappeared. Harken has come up with a new deck fitting (part #375) which does not swivel but has the line come around vertical rollers so they can be pulled as much as 90 degrees off centerline. Therefore, I suggest that this small fitting be accepted as an optional replacement for the original.

Under Rule 7.3 no alterations are permitted. However in this case due to the damage being caused by the original fitting it is permitted to replace the Harken # 240 swivel cam cleat with a combination of the Harken # 150 cam fitted with the Harken # 375 fairlead according with class rule 3.6.

12. Can vertical, sew-in battens be used in the racing jib?

No. The Farr 395 One Design Class Rules Drawing 122 C Measurement Sailplan shows the permiltted layout and dimensions of the batten pockets perpendicular to the leech.

13. The rules state "Minimum breaking strengths of halyards and lines shall conform to Appendix 3 - Running Rigging Specifications". Although Appendix 3 does specify the type of end terminal, which, in the case of spinnaker sheets, is a Tylaska T-8 shackle, I don't see anything that states you must use that shackle. I would like to eliminate the T-8 shackles and attach my spinnaker sheets using a spectra "pigtail" which loops through loops on the ends of the two sheets with a slip knot and then ties to the clew with a bowline. The way I read the rule, this should be OK as long as the sheets meet the minimum breaking strength specification. I would like to avoid those heavy T-8's banking against my fore stay every time we gybe.

It is permissible to remove the Tylaska T8 shackles from the spinnaker sheets and attach the sheets by other means provided the attachment method breaking strength is not less than 2812 Kg. Sheets may be tied directly to the spinnaker clew ring or attached by a "soft" shackle or a "pigtail".

14. Can we replace the starboard side mounted tackline clutch with the new Spinlock XTS 0608 clutch. The old clutch which we have broken is the XT 0608 which is a discontinued model Spinlock has replaced with the new XTS 0608.

Interpretation: The Management Group has reviewed the request and approved the use of the Spinlock XTS 0608 in lieu of the discontinued Spinlock XT 0608 clutch for the spinnaker tack-line.