X99 World Championships.

Medemblik, Netherlands, 6-12 July 2002.

Report from the International Jury,

Re: Measurement and supply of Forestay.

12^th July 2002.

F.A.O:

Simon Forbes: ISAF Technical Manager.

Dick Batt: Chairman ISAF Keelboat Committee.

Jean-Pierre Marmier: Chairman ISAF Measurement Committee.

Niels Jeppesen: X-Yachts A/S.

Rob van Roekel: Chairman X99 International Board.

Members of the X99 International Board and Technical Committee.

A situation was brought to the attention of the International Jury regarding the diameter and specification of the Forestay on one boat competing in the championships. The class rule (9.1) states that the Forestay shall be either 6mm 1x19 or 5mm Dyeform. This boat had been fitted with 6mm Dyeform. Whilst at first instance this would appear a clear case of a boat not complying with the class rules, further investigation showed the situation to be far more complicated and has lead to this report.

The jury received a great deal of help from Rob van Roekel and the Technical representatives in establishing the situation.

The boat in question had been supplied in March/April 2000, new to the current owner by the X Yachts agent in the Netherlands. The boat had come direct from X Yachts in Denmark and had been rigged by the Dutch agent. The owner had made no changes to the boat and believed he had complied with all the requirements of the class. The boat had competed in both World Championships in 2000 and 2001in this form. It appears that no pre-regatta measurement took place on the rigs of any boat at these or this world championship.

There had been a problem with the size of the Forestay in the class and some had broken leading to the modification in dimensions. This affected the various attachments to the mast and it appears that different terminals have been used. The class has modified its rules at various times but there still appears to be some inconsistencies with the systems used for measurement and certification.

The Class Rule (2.5) asks for a measurement certificate and a weight certificate. At this regatta only weight certificates were requested and we could not establish whether all yachts have measurement certificates or not. The measurement certificate was apparently introduced last year but the class could not tell us whether all boats before this date should now have a certificate. On examination of a certificate, there is a declaration of conformity to be signed by the yard - which includes the rule numbers relating to rig - and a section for the measurer. This section states that the weight measurement form is mandatory, but the rig and sails measurement form is only advisory. This cannot be a satisfactory situation. It appears that if an X99 has an IMS certificate or similar then a class certificate can be issued on the strength of this. We cannot see how an IMS certificate can adequately check the boats conformity with the class rules.

The situation with the Forestay is more disturbing. Rob van Roekel was able to confirm that it had come to light about two years ago that some boats had been supplied with 6mm Dyeform Forestays. It was not known how many. He had informed X Yachts and Niels Jeppesen, who confirmed that this could have happened. It appears that despite knowing that these boats were not to class specification X Yachts did nothing.

Rob van Roekel then informed the Board of the International X99 Class who discussed the matter, but did nothing to try and rectify the situation either with X Yachts or independently making sure that the information was circulated to all parties. The Dutch X99 Association had some discussions but again nothing was done to promote the problem and ensure that all sailors knew and could have their boats checked.

The fact that this situation was brought to the Jury by a member of the X99 International Board, who despite knowing the problems and that the Board had done nothing, still proceeded, deeply disturbed the Jury. The situation was eventually resolved amicably and the boat in question had a replacement Forestay ordered immediately.

However, it is obvious that there is a problem that may affect other boats whose owners are unaware of the situation. Whilst we accept that it is the owners responsibility to maintain his boat to the class rules, it is also clear the Class has been less than helpful in high lighting a problem that it was aware of. We also accepted that very few owners would by eye, notice the 1mm difference in the size of their Forestay.

We would ask that ISAF now work with the class to ensure that the measurement and certification procedures meet the needs and standards of an International Class. Also to ensure that the class puts in place a procedure to disseminate information quickly and efficiently to ensure that all sailors are informed of any problems and any requirements that arise.

Prepared on behalf of the International Jury by David Chivers. International Judge/International Measurer.

Paw Hagen (DEN) – Chairman.

David Chivers (GBR).

Hans Dieter Voss (GER).

Hans Kieft (NED).

Huib Ozinga (NED).