Question:
 

Interpretation:

1.  Is lateral movement of the mast heel permitted?

1. Yes.

2. If the answer to the previous question is positive; is a grove on the hull at the support structure of the base of the mast, which allows lateral movement (besides longitudinal movement), allowed by Rule 25.8 (e)? (See Fig. 1).

2. The groove shown in the mast step is permitted but any device that adjusts the position of the mast in the groove would contravene 25.8 (e).

3. Is the above configuration forbidden by any other Rule? (See Fig. 1 ). FIG 1.

3. Any device, passive or active, to adjust “play” would contravene Rule 25.8 (e) and may contravene other rules

4. Instead, if the mast has play at the mast heel which permits lateral movement, while the mast base support at the hull is permanently located in the centre line, is this allowed by Rule 25. 8 (e), or forbidden by any other Rule?

4. Rule 25.8 (e) places no limitation on lateral “play” at the mast heel however other Rules may apply.

5. Could the lateral play at the mast heel be deliberately blocked and unblocked thus passively allowing movement without breaching Rule 25. 8 (e)? or breaching any other Rule?

5. No. Any device, passive or active, to adjust “play” would contravene Rule 25.8 (e).

6. Would the answer to the previous question change if the locking mechanism acts in a vertical plane?

6. No.

7. Would the answer to the previous question change if the locking mechanism acts in a longitudinal plane?

7. No

8. In the context of Rule 25. 8 (f), considering that mast fall or sag of some degree is normally present while sailing, would the mast be considered to be “to windward of the normal sailing position”, if the fall or sag is reduced?

8. Yes. The fall or sag may only be reduced by means permitted in Rule 25.8 (f).

9. In the context of Rule 25. 8 (f), considering that mast fall or sag of some degree is normally present while sailing, would the mast be considered to be “to windward of the normal sailing position”, if the mast is on the centre line plane?

9. Yes, if the mast normally has fall or sag. The fall or sag may only be reduced by means permitted in Rule 25.8 (f).

10. Could a mast be brought back to the centre line plane without breaching Rule 25.8 (f), or any other Rule?

10. Conditionally yes, dependent on the way this is achieved.

11. In the context of Rule 25. 8 (f), would a mast that is to windward of the centre line plane be considered “to windward of the normal sailing position”?

11. Not necessarily, the normal sailing position of the mast could be to windward of the centreline plane.

12. Could a mast be moved to windward of the centre line plane without breaching Rule 25. 8 (f), or any other Rule?

12. Conditionally yes, dependent on how this was achieved.

13. Does Rule 25. 8 (f), or any other Rule, restrict the fall of the mast to leeward?

13. No.

14. Does Rule 25. 8 (f), or any other Rule, restrict the movement of the mast to leeward?

14. No, provided no device was used to move the mast at the heel or deck

15. In the context of Rule 25. 8 (f), if a mast is allowed to fall to leeward before a tack and after the tack it remains in that relative position, is it “to windward of the normal sailing position”?

15. After tacking the mast would be “to windward of the normal sailing position” and therefore would contravene Rule 25.8 (f) unless it was induced by means permitted in Rule 25.8 (f).

16. In the context of Rule 25. 8 (f), if a mast is moved to leeward before a tack and after the tack it remains in that relative position, is it “to windward of the normal sailing position”?

16. See answer 15.

17. In the context of Rules 44. 1 (g), 36.14, 16.4 and 25.8 (f), if a hydraulic piston, or another mechanical system, is connected to the chainplates of the shrouds under the deck, could it be used to allow the mast to fall to leeward before a tack? Could the mast thereafter remain in that relative position after the tack, without considering it “to windward of the normal sailing position”?

17. Such a system would contravene Rules 44.1 (g), and 25.8(f).

18. In the context of Rules 44. 1 (g) and 16.4, if a mechanical system / hydraulic piston is connected to the shrouds under the deck, could it be used to move the mast towards the windward side without considering it “to windward of the normal sailing position” if: a. The mast is moved to the centre line plane? b. The mast is moved to windward of the centre line plane?

18. (a) Such a system would contravene Rules 44.1 (g), and 25.8(f). (b) Such a system would contravene Rules 44.1 (g), and 25.8(f).

19. Could rotation of the mast be achieved by moving respectively fore and aft each chainplate in a horizontal plane as long as the mast does not rotate more than 2° at the deck level and does not have a device to rotate the mast at the heel?

19. Such a device would contravene Rule 44.1 (g) and may contravene Rule 25.8 (e).

20. Would a mast be allowed by the ACC Rule should it simultaneously be: a. Transversally fixed at the heel of the mast; and b. Transversally fixed at the mast collar; and c. Asymmetrically adjusted under the deck by hydraulics that are connected to standing rigging but that are not either standing rigging or the hull.

20. Such a device would contravene Rule 44.1 (g) and may contravene Rule 25.8 (f).

21. Would a low friction type support at the mast collar which could permit rotation in a horizontal transversal and longitudinal axis be prohibited by Rule 25.8 (a) or any other ACC Rule?

21. No, provided the limitations of Rules 28.5(e), 25.12, 25.13, 36.10, 18 and 16 are complied with.

22. In the context of Rules 36.14, 44.1 (g) and 16.4, or any other applicable Rule, is it permitted to adjust the structure of the yacht whilst racing?

22. Question 22 contains insufficient information to determine if the contemplated adjustment to the yacht’s structure would be permitted by all applicable rules. Regarding rule 16.4:except as allowed by rule 16.4 no part of the hull or deck structure may be adjusted while racing Regarding rule 44.1 (g): except as permitted by rule 25.8 (f), adjusting any part of a yacht’s structure which results in an adjustment to the standing rigging is prohibited by rule 44.1 (g).

23. In the context of Rules 36.14, 44.1 (g) and 16.4, or any other applicable Rule, is it permitted to correct the deflections and deformations of the structure of the yacht whilst racing?

23. Question 23 contains insufficient information to determine if the contemplated arrangement would be permitted by all applicable rules. Regarding rule 16.4:except as allowed by rule 16.4 no part of the hull or deck structure may be adjusted while racing Regarding rule 44.1 (g): except as permitted by rule 25.8 (f), adjusting any part of a yacht’s structure which results in an adjustment to the standing rigging is prohibited by rule 44.1 (g).

. END This interpretation is made by the CORD Measurement Committee in accordance with Rule 3.3 of Version 5.0 of the America’s Cup Class Rule. Ken McAlpine ACC Technical Director