INTERNATIONAL MEASURERS MANUAL A Manual for Equipment Inspection at Events produced by the ISAF International Measurer's Sub-Committee for International Measurers and Equipment Inspectors MAY 2007 EDITION © ISAF (UK) Ltd Southampton, UK Reproduction in whole or in part, without the written permission of the ISAF, is prohibited. ISAF International Measurer’s Manual - Page 1 INTRODUCTION Racing of all classes of sailing boat under the Racing Rules for Sailing (RRS) and Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) is based on the assumption that each boat complies with its Class Rules, the class rules complementing the RRS-ERS by defining the boat and equipment that may be used. Normally it is necessary to measure the physical dimensions of a boat, its equipment and sails to establish if it complies with the class rules and this is the principal role of the `measurer'. Measurers therefore play a fundamental role in the organisation of sailboat racing, and their ability to apply the class rules correctly and accurately is essential. Equipment must be measured for certification before being used for racing, but it is normally inspected at events as well. Techniques vary in general as certification requires derivation of actual dimensions and inspection means comparison with known minimum / maximum limits. The latter is one of the roles the ISAF International Measurer is expected to perform. This Manual is a guide to most aspects of measurement but focuses mainly on event inspection and hull prototype measurement, giving information firstly on good measurement practice with specific Class examples, and secondly on practical techniques and equipment for taking accurate measurements. It is meant primarily –but not restricted in any way- for use by the ISAF International Measurers. It is essential that measurers always keep in mind that this Manual is only a guide, and also refers to the current class rules of the boats they are measuring. The class rules/regulations override this Manual when there is any conflict between them. In addition, proper study of the ISAF guide to sail measurement and any other future guides is essential, as this Manual is not meant to be a fundamental measurement instruction booklet; ISAF International Measurers already possess the necessary basic measurement skills. Note: Parts from the ISAF Guide to Sail Measurement (2001 edition) have been included in this manual’s sail measurement and Event Inspection Guidelines sections. The greatest part of this manual has been prepared by Jean-Pierre Marmier, IM (Soling & Yngling), Former Chairman of the ISAF Measurement Committee and Chief Measurer at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. During the past few months, the ISAF International Measurers Sub Committee (IMSC) and a dedicated group of IMs have been responsible for finalizing the manual in its present form. The following persons have been involved in building up this manual : Tony Watts <, past Chief Measurer of IYRU who wrote the first “ISAF Measurement Manual” and who prepared the base of this new Manual with Jean- Pierre Marmier in Seoul – Korea (1985 – Measurement Seminar) – Some of his original drawings have been reproduced in the present Measurement Manual. Simon Forbes, ISAF Technical Officer Paul Handley, Former ISAF Technical Officer Sebastian Edmonds, Former ISAF Technical Officer Antonio Cardona, IM (Star) Dimitris Dimou, IM (FINN, 420, 470) John Goldsmith, IM (TORNADO) Peter Hinrichsen, IM (FD, FINN, YNGLING) Barry Johnson, IM (420, 29er, 49er) John Koopman, IM (Star) Paolo Luciani, IM (Optimist) Niki Nocke, IM (EUROPE) Cliff Norbury, Former Chairman of ISAF Sailing Committee Guy-Roland Perrin, IM (6m & 8m Classes) Edward T. Polidor, Former IM (SOLING) Jüri Saraskin, IM (FINN) Andrew Williams, IM (FARR 40) Richard Hart, (EQSC) ERS Working Group 2001-2004 (Jim Hartvig Anderson g, chairman) In House Certification Working Group 2001-2004 (Bengt Gustavson, chairman) Thanks to all of them. David Sprague, IM Chairman of IMSC May 2007 ISAF International Measurer’s Manual - Page 2 INDEX PAGE 1. MEASURERS 4 2. APPLICATION OF CLASS RULES 10 3. MEASUREMENT FOR CERTIFICATION 12 4. MEASUREMENT OF ALTERATIONS 14 5. ACCURACY, PRECISION AND REPRODUCIBILITY IN MEASUREMENT 15 6. EVENT INSPECTION 28 7. RACING RULES AND MEASUREMENT 34 8. MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT 36 9. HULL SHAPE MEASUREMENT 52 10. HULL WEIGHT 82 11. WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION – SWING TEST 84 12. BUOYANCY 88 13. CENTREBOARDS, KEELS AND RUDDERS 89 14. SPARS AND RIGGING 92 15. SAILS & SAIL MEASUREMENT 96 16. SAIL AREA MEASUREMENT 115 17. EVENT INSPECTION GUIDELINES 121 18. GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS 137 19. CONVERSION FACTORS 149 20. MASS DENSITY OF SOME SUBSTANCES 150 ISAF International Measurer’s Manual - Page 3 1 MEASURERS This section considers the role of measurers, their qualifications, appointment, conduct and responsibilities and serves as an introduction to the rest of the manual. 1.1 Role of the Measurer Boats are measured principally to establish compliance with the class rules, but there are different cases when compliance is checked and the role of the measurer varies in each case as follows: (a) Measurement for Certification Most classes require all new boats to be measured in order to establish that they have been built in accordance with the class rules before they are eligible to race. Once a new boat has been measured and found to be in compliance with the class rules it is normally issued with a Measurement Certificate which has to be retained by the owner as proof of eligibility to participate in class racing, RRS Rule 78. The procedures for measurement of new boats for certification are covered in Section 3. (b) Measurement of Alterations The RRS (Rule 78) make the owner responsible for ensuring that all alterations are in accordance with the class rules, but it is usually a requirement in the class rules that certain replacements, e.g. sails, and other alterations like significant repairs, must be measured before racing. Sometimes an endorsement is required on the Measurement Certificate, particularly if the weight has changed and weight correctors are removed or added. Procedures for measurement of alterations are covered in Section 4. (c) Periodic Measurement A few classes require periodic measurement checks of boats, sometimes to check buoyancy and other safety factors or possibly to check weight of larger boats. (d) Event Inspection (Regatta Measurement ) Formal measurements to check compliance with the class rules are often conducted at major competitions ranging from checking certain items only, like the weight of boats or sail measurements, to complete measurement of all competing boats. Regatta measurement is covered in Section 6. In major regattas like World or Continental Championships this task ideally has to be done by the International Measurers. (e) Prototype Measurement The majority of new boats are 'production' boats, i.e. they are produced in quantity by the builder to the same specification as their prototype boat rather than as a series of one-off or custom designed boats. In these cases, particularly for GRP and other moulded boats, thorough measurement of the prototype can help to minimise measurement problems with the subsequent production boats. For this reason, it is a requirement for many of the ISAF International Classes that the prototype boat (first boat out of the mould) be measured and approved before production of subsequent boats commences. (f) Batch Measurement Classes which require prototype approval sometimes reduce or even waive measurement of subsequent boats subject to full measurement being conducted on one boat from each batch, e.g. every 10th boat. 1.2 Qualifications of Measurers The work of a measurer requires technical skills, including the ability to read and understand class rules and to apply them correctly, and the ability to take accurate measurements of length, weight and other physical parameters. Section 5 describes techniques for accurate measurement, but it is essential that the measurer measures as prescribed in the Class Rules where details are given. The measurer must be familiar with the use of standard measurement tools, and sometimes more specialised tools, as detailed in Section 8. The ability to make your own special tools is also useful so that a comprehensive tool kit can be assembled to enable quick and efficient measurement. Some classes sell purpose-designed tool kits for their class. For regatta measurement, unlike measurement for certification or of alterations where the measurer is often working on a single boat without time pressure, a measurer often has to work against the clock and the ability to work quickly as well as accurately is important. A regatta measurer may therefore be involved with the design of special equipment to speed up the process of measurement, like spar or hull measurement jigs. He will also need to be able to work as part of a team, possibly leading the team, and be able to train helpers to assist with measurement. It is also essential that a regatta measurer understands the relevant parts of the RRS as, in the event of a measurement protest, the procedures given in the RRS must be followed correctly. The RRS also contain other requirements on sail markings, advertising etc. which the measurer must be aware of. One of the best ways for a person to acquire measurement skills is to attend a regatta as a helper assisting the regatta measurers. Most classes normally welcome offers of assistance in this area. Some classes and National Authorities run occasional seminars and courses to train measurers. ISAF International Measurer’s Manual - Page 4 1.3 Appointment and Authority of Measurers Before measuring boats for any reason a measurer must ensure that he has been appointed to undertake that measurement by the proper authority. The body for appointing the measurer and the authority granted to the measurer varies with the type of measurement and the National Authority (NA). (a) Official Measurers For measurement for certification or of alterations, the measurer must be recognised and authorised by the body administering the class.