INTERNATIONAL HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION GENERAL RULES |
ISAF International
Classes are the HOBIE 14,16,17,18 and HOBIE Tiger |
| 1 |
ONE-DESIGN
CLASS RACING |
| |
The design and development of
Hobie Catamarans are directed towards strict one-design classes where the true test is
between sailors and sailing skill, and not boats. Any alterations to the hull form,
construction, equipment, spars, sails or running rigging, as supplied by the builder
except as is specifically authorized by these rules, are a breach of these rules, both in
spirit and in substance, and are prohibited. |
| 2 |
INTENT
AND OBJECTIVE |
| |
Hobie Catamarans are designed
to be easy to sail with the least amount of trouble to owners. Boat and component changes,
which have no direct bearing upon boat speed, are the only changes allowed. The intent and
objective of the INTERNATIONAL HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION (IHCA) RULES are: |
| |
a) |
To keep each boat as equal, simple and
cost free as possible by rigidly maintaining, without deviation, the one-design features
of the Hobie Cat for class racing. |
| |
b) |
To increase boat speed only through the
use of racing tactics and sailing skills |
| 2.1 |
DEFINITIONS |
| |
a) |
The International Hobie Class Association
shall hereafter be referred to as IHCA. |
| |
b) |
Hobie Cat USA, Hobie Cat Europe and any of
their licensees that are in good standing with their respected licensors shall hereafter
be referred to as HOBIE CAT CO. |
| |
c) |
International Sailing Federation shall be
referred to as the ISAF. |
| |
d) |
The International Sailing Federation
Racing Rules shall be referred to as the RRS. |
| 3 |
MEASUREMENT
AUTHORITY |
| |
The IHCA and its designated
measurers are the measurement authority for the Hobie Class under the meaning of RRS 64.3
b). The IHCA has the right to declare ineligible any Hobie Cat which does not conform to
the spirit, objective and intent, as well as the letter of these rules and the official
drawings and specifications held by the ISAF. In the event the drawings are not held by
the ISAF they shall be held by the respective HOBIE CAT CO. |
| 4 |
LOOPHOLES |
| |
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOUND A
LOOPHOLE, READ THE PRECEDING STATEMENTS AGAIN. THESE ARE THE BASIS OF THE RULES AND COVER
ALL AREAS NOT COVERED IN THE RULES. GENERALLY, IF YOU CANNOT FIND IT LISTED IN THE RULES,
IT IS NOT CLASS LEGAL. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, CHECK WITH THE IHCA FIRST. APPROVAL MUST BE IN
WRITING. |
| 5 |
MANUFACTURER
OF HOBIE CATS |
| 5.1 |
Boats and component parts as
originally manufactured by the HOBIE CAT COMPANY are the only ones legal for class racing
unless specifically permitted in these Class Rules. The manufacturing origin and
trademarks of all boats shall be readily identifiable through serial numbers, hull
numbers, sails and cast parts. Copies of original invoices or warranty cards may be
requested. Proof of origin shall be submitted to the IHCA or its authorized
representatives for verification upon request of the jury or protest committee. Skippers
or owners of boats who have had the manufacturing origin of their boat or component parts
protested shall have a maximum of two weeks to produce acceptable proof of origin. |
| 5.2 |
The ISAF plaques shall be
permanently affixed to the transoms for all ISAF recognized classes built after January 1,
1990. |
| 6 |
NON HOBIE CAT COMPANY
MANUFACTURERS OF EQUIPMENT |
|
Manufacturers and distributors
of non Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and equipment for Hobie catamarans
shall obtain written approval from the IHCA prior to their parts and equipment being
designated as "Hobie Class Legal." |
| 7 |
DESIGN
FEATURES AND APPROVED CHANGES |
| |
Nothing may be changed or
removed from any Hobie Cat that will in any way alter the structural integrity, design
function, or built in safety features of the boat. All changes shall have prior written
approval. Provided they do not change the basic design and configuration, approved changes
are: stronger gudgeons; stronger pigtails; larger diameter wires and running rigging;
reinforced flanges not affecting water flow. Except as allowed in these rules, any changes
or additions that in any way can be construed as speed devices are not class legal. |
| 8 |
SAFETY
EQUIPMENT |
| 8.1 |
Each person on board shall
carry a lifesaving device or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) approved by their country's
national authority or by the national authority having jurisdiction. The IHCA strongly
recommends that life jackets or PFDs be worn at all times. |
| 8.2 |
A minimum* 3/8 in. (9.53 mm)
diameter righting line or webbing consisting of at least one 14 ft. (4.27 meter) length of
line or webbing, or two 8 ft. (2.44 meter) lengths of line or webbing shall be securely
attached and readily accessible from each side of the boat. The righting lines or webbing
shall be in addition to all other required equipment. (Unless specified differently in
individual boat class rules) |
| |
* Righting water bags, shroud
lengthening devices, righting pole type devices, and righting systems other than the
minimum system specified may be carried and shall be used for righting purposes only. |
| 8.3 |
A
paddle or equivalent is allowed and recommended but not required. |
| 8.4 |
An
anchor is not required. |
| 8.5 |
Any
additional equipment which may be required by a government or national authority having
jurisdiction |
| 9 |
HULLS,
DECKS, AND RUDDERS |
| 9.1 |
Hulls
may be rubbed, waxed, sanded or buffed in the normal process of maintenance. |
| 9.2 |
No
friction-reducing agents may be employed on the hulls, rudders or boards. |
| 9.3 |
Hull bottoms which wear down
may be rebuilt. Rebuilt hulls must conform with the original shape. Templates are
available from the HOBIE CAT CO. |
| 9.4 |
No portion of the deck, or
deck flange where present, shall be altered, removed, cut down, or in any way modified
except as allowed herein. The rear transom flanges, where present, may be notched a
maximum of 2 ins (5 cm) to accept larger gudgeons or to repair breakout at the rudder pin.
Water tight deck access portholes may be installed. |
| 9.5 |
Hull
flotation blocks as supplied by the HOBIE CAT CO. shall not be removed or reduced in size. |
| 9.6 |
Non-skid surfaces on decks may
be changed provided the non-skid surface is at least equal in size and location to the
originally designed area. |
| 10 |
RUDDERS
AND RUDDER ASSEMBLIES |
| 10.1 |
HOBIE CAT CO. supplied rudder
assemblies and rudder blades shall not be modified except for minimum filing to improve
fit and function unless specifically allowed in the individual boat rules. |
| 10.2 |
Shims
may be installed between the rudder blade and rudder housing to improve fit and function. |
| 10.3 |
Shims or bushings may be
installed between rudders pins, gudgeons, and castings to improve fit and function. |
| 10.4 |
Shock
cord may be tied around the rudder to help control rudder kick up. |
| 10.5 |
Rudder
rake adjusters may be installed and upgraded to current HOBIE CAT CO design. |
| 10.6 |
Rudder blades may be notched
on the upper leading edge up to a maximum of 1/2 in. (12.5 mm) to correct helm. |
| 10.7 |
The
minimum weight of each rudder blade shall be 3.0 lb. (1.36 kg) |
| 10.8 |
Rudder pins may be changed
provided the length and diameter of replacement rudder pins are at least the same
dimensions or greater than as supplied by HOBIE CAT COMPANY. Pins may be made of plastic,
aluminum, nylon, composite, or stainless steel materials. |
| 11 |
TILLER
ASSEMBLIES |
| 11.1 |
The tiller extension may be
either an extendable or non-extendable design but shall be a single tiller with one end
connected to the crossbar in the same location as the factory supplied tiller. THE TILLER
EXTENSION SHALL BE MADE OF A NONELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL ON ALL NORTH AMERICAN
REGION BOATS. NONELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVE TILLER EXTENSIONS ARE RECOMMENDED ON ALL BOATS
WORLDWIDE. |
| 11.2 |
Tiller crossbar and rudder arm
connectors and end caps may be replaced with other types that are functionally similar. |
| 12 |
SAILS |
| 12.1 |
Class legal sails shall be
made from HOBIE CAT CO official patterns and manufactured and distributed by the HOBIE CAT
CO or their currently licensed sail makers unless specified differently in individual boat
class rules. |
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a) |
A sail may be recut slightly, provided the
overall original size and shape is not increased or altered other than by normal stretch
with aging and sail tuning. |
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b) |
Windows and telltales may be added as
desired. |
| |
c) |
A Cunningham may be installed in any sail. |
| 12.2 |
Only standard battens supplied
by the HOBIE CAT CO shall be used unless specified differently in the individual boat
class rules. Battens may be custom cut and tapered as desired. |
| |
a) |
Any type of batten caps may be used
provided they are not adjustable while sailing. |
| |
b) |
Two battens may be used in the bottom
batten pocket of the mainsail. |
| 12.3 |
A skipper shall not change
sails during a race or regatta unless his sail has been damaged and is no longer usable.
Permission to make a sail change must be received, in writing, from the race committee
PRIOR to the change being made. |
| 12.4 |
All mainsails shall have a
sail number assigned by Hobie Cat Company and registered with the IHCA. Duplicate numbers
will be assigned to only one individual boat. National letters may be added and shall be
displayed on the mainsail above the sail numbers and below the class insignia. Changes RRS
Appendix H. |
| |
a) |
Sail numbers shall be no less than 10 in.
(25.4 cm) in height. This changes RRS Appendix H 1.2 (b). |
| |
b) |
Sail numbers shall be distinguishable on
both sides of the sail. |
| 12.5 |
All
mainsails shall bear the Hobie "H" registered trademark logo, which is the class
insignia. |
| 12.6 |
Friction reducing devices may
be applied to, or attached to, the luff rope to help with raising and lowering the sail. |
| 12.7 |
Any grommet on a Hobie sail
may be replaced as long as it is with an equal size or larger grommet located within 3 in.
(7.6 cm) of the original location. |
| 12.8 |
Reefing is permitted and may
be rigged in any manner except in the North American Region where the mainsail wire
halyard shall not extend below the COMPTIP. |
| 12.9 |
Sail numbers consecutively
assigned by Hobie Cat Company may be one to six digits in length. Letters and numbers are
not required on headsails and spinnakers but when used shall be the same number as on the
mainsail. This changes RRS Appendix H. |
| 13 |
MASTS |
| 13.1 |
The
section of the mast extrusion shall not be altered in any way except as provided for in
13.4. |
| 13.2 |
Minimum filing or cutting to
the mast step casting is permitted for the purpose of improving rotation, but metal shall
not be removed for the purpose of achieving mast rake. Stops may be added to replace the
standard mast stops but shall not be adjustable. |
| 13.3 |
No
internal devices are allowed except as supplied. |
| 13.4 |
A COMPTIP shall be mandatory for the North American Region
with the exception of the Hobie Tiger which shall be raced worldwide with an aluminium
mast. All sailors will be allowed one exemption to this rule. After the one exemption is
granted, the onus is on the individual to prove that an attempt has been made to obtain a
COMPTIP. In the case of factory back orders on COMPTIPs, temporary exemption will be
granted upon proof of such back order and only until back order is filled. COMPTIP and
aluminum masts shall be legal in the North Pacific, South American and International
Regions. All aluminum masts are mandatory in the South Pacific, Southern Africa and
European Regions with the exception of the H-17 in Europe where COMPTIP and ALUMINUM masts
are legal for H-17 boats manufactured before 1 January 1995 and Hobie 17 CompTip masts
shall be mandatory in the South Pacific Region. Hobie 18 all aluminum masts shall be
mandatory in the South Pacific Region. |
| 14 |
BOOMS |
| 14.1 |
The
section of the boom extrusion shall not be altered in any way. |
| 14.2 |
Boom
bales for the purpose of hanging mainsheet blocks may be added, deleted or relocated. |
| 14.3 |
No
internal devices are allowed except as supplied. |
| 15 |
WIRES |
| 15.1 |
Wires as supplied by the HOBIE
CAT CO. shall not be reduced in diameter. They may be increased in size. All wires may be
shortened or lengthened with exception of bridle wires. |
| 15.2 |
Shrouds and forestays shall
connect to the HOBIE CAT CO. supplied shroud adjusters. The twist toggle shall not be
removed and must be used as supplied. |
| 15.3 |
An
additional shroud adjuster may be added to the forestay in lieu of changing wire length. |
| 15.4 |
The clevis pin and ring on the
forestay adjuster, as provided by the HOBIE CAT CO., may be replaced by a quick-release
pin, shackle or like equipment. |
| 16 |
EQUIPMENT |
| 16.1 |
A single boom vang may be
added. It may be attached to the base of the mast and/or be movable from side to side on
the front crossbar for use as a preventer. Vangs shall not travel on tracks or wires which
can be fastened to both sides of the boat simultaneously. The maximum purchase shall not
exceed 3:1. |
| 16.2 |
Any sheet or lines made in
whole or part of wire are prohibited except as supplied by the HOBIE CAT CO. Any sheet or
lines may not be spliced to increase or decrease diameter and the core cannot be removed
to decrease diameter. |
| 16.3 |
Compasses, navigation and speed metering equipment
of any type are permitted. Radios may be used for weather information and for emergencies
under the following conditions: On board radios shall be turned OFF and stored from 1/2
hour prior to the boat's Class warning signal of the first race of the day until after the
finish of the last race of the day unless there is an emergency, or unless specified
otherwise in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions. |
| 16.4 |
Main, boom and jib sheet
blocks of different design or make may be used provided the purchase advantage remains
equal to or less than 7:1 on the mainsheet system and 3:1 on the jib sheet system unless
specified otherwise in individual boat class rules. |
| 16.5 |
Mesh
and canvas trampolines manufactured by the HOBIE CAT CO. are class legal. |
| |
a) |
Trampolines may be reversed end for end if
desired. |
| |
b) |
Storage pockets and flaps to prevent water
spray may be added. |
| |
c) |
A second set of hiking straps may be
installed and altered as desired. |
| |
d) |
Hiking straps shall not be adjustable
while on the water. |
| |
e) |
A trampoline may be comprised of one to
three pieces. |
| 16.6 |
Tools and personal convenience
accessories may be carried on board and may include: telltales; toolkits; non-skid; wind
indicators; stow bags; beverage coolers; food and beverages; etc. If in doubt on any item
not listed, refer to General Class Rule 4. |
| 16.7 |
Epoxy
adhesive may be applied to the frame castings for the purpose of stiffening the boat. |
| 16.8 |
No swivel connectors are
allowed unless supplied as original equipment or allowed in the individual boat Class
Rules. |
| 17 |
CREW
AND CREW WEIGHT
(Where Class Rules require a minimum weight) |
| 17.1 |
The
word "crew" includes all personnel aboard the boat. |
| 17.2 |
The same crew shall be used
throughout the race or regatta. Crew shall not be added or removed without prior written
permission from the race committee. |
| 17.3 |
If a crew change is required due to injury or other
special circumstances, the crew weight shall not be less than the original weight and not
more than 10 lbs. (4.54 kg.) over the original weight unless approved by the race
committee. |
| 17.4 |
A maximum of 50 lbs. (22.7
kg.) of permanent dry (solid) weight may be carried on the boat to bring crew weight up to
the minimum. |
| |
a) |
Weights may be moveable but shall be
attached to the boat. This changes RRS 51. |
| |
b) |
If more than 50 lbs. (22.7 kg) are needed
to make minimum weight, an additional crew person shall be carried. |
| 17.5 |
Minimum
crew weights are based on the body weight of the crew dressed in lightweight clothing
without shoes. |
| |
a) |
No wetsuits or heavy clothing shall be used in determining
crew weight. |
| |
b) |
The crew shall maintain minimum crew weight at all times.
If required, the crew may have to add weight during a regatta to maintain minimum crew
weight. |
| |
c) |
Boats and or/crew can be
protested at any time during the regatta for minimum weight infractions. |
| 17.6 |
Weights required to meet
minimum crew weight shall not be usable for any other purpose. |
| 17.7 |
For the purpose of Youth
Events, crew attaining his or her 19th birthday before the end of the year in which the
event is sailed is ineligible unless otherwise prescribed in the Notice of Race or Sailing
Instructions. |
| 17.8 |
For the purpose of Youth
Events, the minimum weight for all Youth double handed disciplines shall be 250 lbs (112.5
kg). |
| 18 |
PERSONAL
BALLASTS, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT |
| 18.1 |
The IHCA permits a maximum
22.0 lbs. (10 kg) of wet clothing and equipment per crew member to be worn. This changes
RRS 43.1(b). |
| |
a) |
Any competitor wearing such personal
ballast is required to also wear a personal flotation device capable of flotation of both
the wearer and the wet clothing and equipment. |
| |
b) |
Weight and water jackets for the purpose
of adding personal ballast are not permitted, shall not be considered clothing or
equipment, and shall not be allowed for meeting minimum crew weight. |
| 18.2 |
Any
clothing or equipment worn under Rule 18.1 shall not be allowed for meeting minimum crew
weight. |
| 19 |
MINIMUM
BOAT WEIGHTS |
| 19.1 |
The
minimum boat weights shown in the individual Class Rules are for each class of boat, ready
to sail, with all permanently attached and non movable racing equipment EXCLUDING the
following: |
| |
a) |
Cushions |
| |
b) |
Life jackets |
| |
c) |
Trapeze harnesses |
| |
d) |
Tool bags |
| |
e) |
Personal gear |
| |
f) |
Crew weight |
| 19.2 |
All weights required to bring
a boat to minimum weight shall be permanently attached during a regatta and shall not be
usable for any other purpose. |
| 20 |
ADVERTISING |
| 20.1 |
Advertising is allowed in
accordance with RRS 79 and ISAF Advertising Code, Category C, unless the Notice of Race
and Sailing Instructions designate otherwise. |
| 20.2 |
In world and continental
events a competitor shall be required to display advertising in accordance with RRS
Appendix G, the Notice of Race, and the Sailing Instructions. |
| ALTERNATIVE
PENALTIES FOR RRS PART 2 RULE INFRINGEMENTS |
| 21 |
IHCA
360-DEGREE RULE |
| 21.1 |
The 720 degree Turns Penalty in RRS 44.1 and 44.2 is replaced by a 360
degree Turns Penalty. Changes RRS 44.1 and 44.2 |
| |
a). |
A 360-degree Turns Penalty consists of one
tack and one gybe, or one gybe and one tack, before resuming course. |
| |
b). |
When the infringement occurs after the
preparatory signal and before the starting signal is made, the infringing boat shall make
one 360-degree Turns Penalty on either side of the starting line following the starting
signal as soon as possible after clearing all other boats. (This modifies RRS 44.2.) |
| 21.2 |
When neither boat acknowledges
fault, a protest may be lodged in accordance with RRS Part 5 and the sailing instructions. |
| 21.3 |
The
protest time limit to file a protest will be (determined by local conditions) after the
last boat in the last race of the day sailing directly to shore reaches the shore. Changes
RRS 61.3. |
| 22 |
SCORING,
PENALTIES AND PENALTY SCORING |
| 22.1 |
Scoring, penalties, and
penalty scoring are as described in the RRS unless changed in the Notice of Race and
Sailing Instructions. |
| 22.2 |
All boat, crew weight, and
equipment violations are scored DND - Disqualified No Discard. Whenever possible,
competitors should be warned of potential equipment violations on the beach before racing
when observed by other competitors, the jury, or regatta officials. |
| 23 |
JURISDICTION
OF RULES |
| |
All regattas held within
regions under the jurisdiction of the IHCA shall be governed by: the RRS; these IHCA
Rules; the prescriptions of the National Sailing Authority having jurisdiction where they
apply; the Notice of Race; the event Sailing Instructions. |
| 24 |
SIGNALING
A PROTEST |
| |
A boat protesting another boat
shall follow RRS 61.1(a) with the following modification: The ISAF requirement for under 6
meter boats applies to all Hobie Catamaran Classes. |
| 25 |
RULE
INTERPRETATIONS |
| |
Valid questions regarding these rules may be ruled on an
interim basis by the IHCA Rules Committee Chair or the IHCA Rules Committee Chair
designee. The interim rulings, as needed, will be accepted, rejected or modified by the
IHCA Rules Committee and ratified by the IHCA International Council and approved by the
ISAF before achieving permanent status in the IHCA Class Rules. |
| 26 |
RULE
AMENDMENTS |
| 26.1 |
Suggestions,
recommendations or requests for rule additions, deletions or amendments shall be submitted
in writing to the IHCA Rules Committee. The proposals will be reviewed by the Rules
Committee, and if found to have merit, be distributed for comment to: Hobie Cat sailors;
IHCA International Council members; IHCA Regional Associations; and other interested
parties. Following the comment period the IHCA Rules Committee will make a rule
recommendation and submit it to the IHCA International Council for consideration. The
Council shall accept or reject the Rules Committee recommendation and submit IHCA approved
changes to the ISAF for approval. Interim or emergency rulings made by the Rules Committee
Chair or Rules Committee as a whole will use the same approval procedure as outlined
herein before they receive approved rule status, |
| 26.2 |
Any proposed new class rules,
rule changes or amendments requesting comments, and all new rules and interpretations
shall be announced in one or more of the following ways: |
| |
a) |
An international mailing or individual Email to all IHCA
members for General Rule changes, or international mailings or individual Email to
individual boat class owners for rules only impacting the individual class. |
| |
b) |
Prominent display on the IHCA
web page requesting comment from Hobie Cat sailors and other interested parties. |
