Please find attached a copy of my rule proposals for 2007.
This proposal has been seconded and will be put to the AGM. More than happy to take comments, anyone wishing to associate themselves with these proposals please let me know. It might seem like a lot of change but it's only the things we've (the open circuit racers) been discussing and someone has to play devils advocate!. This one will reduce the build time by Amateurs and Professionals alike and hence costs. Taping a boat adds little strength today and adds a level of build complexity no longer required if using epoxy based glues and fillers. A filleted joint is technically stronger than the timber it's attached to.
1.1 Construction Materials
Existing 1.1.2 Amateur and Professional Builders shall complete hulls using only materials supplied with the Mirror kits (except for adhesives which are optional) and shall not modify or replace any part of the kit except where specifically permitted by these Rules.
Proposed. 1.1.2 Amateur and Professional Builders shall complete hulls using epoxy resin adhesives. Kits manufacturers or builders from plans shall only use materials conforming to ISAF specifications. The only problem here is getting ISAF to produce a readily available specification
1.2 Construction
Existing 1.2.1 All the panels and wood parts supplied with the kit shall be incorporated into the hull with the exception of the forward shroud blocks, jib fairleads and forward mast step which are optional. All wood parts shall be used only for their intended purpose. Where these Rules provide that the material of a part is optional the supplied wood part may be replaced by an equivalent part of the alternative material.
Proposed 1.2.1 All panels shall be constructed using Weather Bonded Ply (WBP) materials. The cockpit layout should conform to the MK2 layout and dimensions, for all new boats constructed.
Existing 1.2.2 The shell of the wooden hulls shall be constructed using the `stitch and glue' method of construction and all hull joints so constructed shall be reinforced with at least one layer of the glass fibre tape supplied with the kit on both the inside and the outside of the joint. Joints between other kit panels, shall be reinforced with at least one layer of the glass fibre tape supplied with the kit.
Proposed 1.2.2 The shell of the wooden hulls may be constructed using the `stitch and glue' or frame methods of construction. Frame construction shall be completed using epoxy resin for all joints, glass fibre tape may be used to reinforce joints. Boats completed using stitch and glue may use epoxy fillets and / or glass fibre tape.
