The International Measurement System (IMS) Committee plans and coordinates the promulgation of the IMS in the U.S. and surveys the operation of the IMS, reviewing and proposing amendments to the Rule and Regulations.

        New - IMS Helsinki Newsletter Summary - November 2006

Understanding the IMS Rule, Measurements, and Fees.

• PERFORMANCE PACKAGE-  Receive up to date POLAR DIAGRAMS & Target boat speeds (VMGs).  (For list of available classes, click here.)

US SAILING introduces Laser Technology to IMS Hull Measuring:

US Sailing now owns a Laser Measurement machine. Your generous contributions funded this equipment. Thank You all very much!  The hardware and software are now undergoing a thorough validation process. In early 2004 we will begin measuring hulls to an accuracy equivalent to the thickness of a sheet of paper. Further research continues to improve the measurement and rating processes.

• To learn more about the SMX Laser Measurement System click Here.

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Historical IMS VPP and Rule Changes (Includes 2002 & 2003). Click Here

IMS Rules and Regulations available in print form. Order on-line here or call the Merchandise Department at 1-800-US-SAIL 1. Electronic versions may be viewed at the ORC website; www.orc.org

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Certificate & Measurement Information:

IMS CLUB AND INTRODUCTORY CERTIFICATE INFORMATION

Unmodified production yachts for which US Sailing has sufficient data are eligible for IMS Club Certificates. These are issued on the basis of simplified measurement procedures and shall bear the notation "BASED ON CLUB MEASUREMENTS". These certificates may use the standard vertical center of gravity for the class and the measured freeboards of the yacht, if an inclination test has not been performed, to calculate the righting moment. Additionally, standard class propeller information may be substituted. Rig measurements shall be inspected and sail measurements recorded.

Unmodified production yachts of a class already measure for IMS are eligible for Introductory IMS Certificates, however these certificate are valid for racing at the discretion of the race organizer.

See available classes eligible for IMS Club or IMS Introductory Rating Certificates. Click here.

IN WATER MEASUREMENT Protocol for IMS Rating Certificates:

Incline & Freeboard measurements.  Following receipt of proper hull measurements, the next step in obtaining a rating is to determine the displacement & stability of your boat through in-water measurements.  These include Freeboards & an incline test.  Thus, as preparations, we require that your boat be in "Measurement Trim".  That means that sails and certain other equipment is removed.  Click here for a full definition of "Measurement Trim" and owner's responsibilities.

• To help you prepare your boat please review the Measurement Condition Check List.  Click here.

• Click here for a blank Measurements Inventory Form.  To be completed during In Water Measurements as part of final rating.

Furthermore, to help accomplish this, we will put you in contact with a local measure. Please call the Offshore Office (401-683-0800) for details or visit a list of current US SAILING certified measurers by clicking here.  Thank you.

Prices for certificate revision categories and for additional revisions made during the year are:

Crew weight declaration …………….   $150
Propeller ………………………………   $150
Sail dimensions - one sail …………… $150
Rig or multiple sails  …………………..$250
Re-floatation  ………………………...... $300
Hull and appendages  ………………… $450

As always, if you have any questions which you think I or anyone in the Offshore Office could help, please do not hesitate to contact us at 401-683-0800 (between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm East Coast time).

          Donna Leary          ext 661
          Jim Teeters            ext 662
          Dan Nowlan           ext 664

Looking forward to 2007 and successful IMS racing,

Dan Nowlan
Offshore Director

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