US Sailing clarifies that the current US Sailing Safety Equipment Requirements (SER) do not include the recent Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) changes that prohibit battens in storm sails and restrict a storm jib from being flown with any other sail forward of the mast. The OSR change requiring a storm jib to be flown alone is effective immediately. The prohibition on battens is expected to be formally ratified next year.
Changes to the OSRs do not automatically modify the SERs. The SER Subcommittee reviews OSR updates on a one-year delay to allow for evaluation and community feedback. Based on this schedule, no changes related to storm sails are expected before the 2027 SER cycle.
Organizing Authorities remain free to choose the regulations most appropriate for their events and may amend the SERs and OSRs as needed. Rating organizations and classes may also apply their own requirements.
US Sailing supports the principle that storm, and heavy-weather sails must be fit for their intended purpose.
Questions? Email us: offshore@ussailing.org