Menu

Technically Speaking – Class Rules

The Technical Committee has been asked some questions about the class rules and the answers are being shared with the whole class.

Digital Compass
The Technical Committee (TC) was asked if a solar powered digital compass is allowed on a Couta Boat.
The TC considered the following rules.

2.5.     The Couta Boat is a non-developmental class. Boats must not be built and equipped beyond the scope of the Rules.

3.1.     When considering anything in connection with a Couta Boat hull, sails, rig or equipment which is not specifically covered by the Rules it shall be considered illegal unless prior permission has been sought and a determination made by the Committee of the CBA.There shall be no exceptions.

14.3. When racing in Couta Boat Races, electronic instrumentation of any kind to aid sailing shall not be permitted. Masthead wind indicators shall not be permitted, excepting for wool or ribbon or a soft burgee. A compass shall not include electronic tacking data.  However, a boat may carry a VHF radio.
 
The TC concludes that a solar powered digital compass would be electronic instrumentation that is an aid to sailing and it is not permitted. Furthermore the rule specifically does not allow a compass to have any electronic tacking data.
 
The decision of the TC is that a digital compass is not permitted.
Advertising
The Technical Committee (TC) was asked whether advertising is allowed on a Couta Boat

Right to display advertising on a boat

World Sailing Regulation 20.2.3 addresses the right of a boat to display advertising https://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/2021AdvertisingCode-[26819].pdf
The right of a boat, including in this case a Couta Boat, to display advertising is covered by World Sailing Regulation 20.2.3.3 shall be subject to prior authorization of the relevant National Authority for all Classes, Systems and events that are within its jurisdiction and not subject to Regulation 20.2.3.1 or 20.2.3.2.
The Australian Sailing Prescription to rule 6.1 states
“When the right to display advertising on a boat is subject to prior authorisation by the national authority in accordance with the Regulations, the approval of Australian Sailing is automatically granted provided that such advertising is permitted by the relevant rules of the class, rating system or handicapping system.”
The class rules state
2.5.     The Couta Boat is a non-developmental class. Boats must not be built and equipped beyond the scope of the Rules.

3.1.     When considering anything in connection with a Couta Boat hull, sails, rig or equipment which is not specifically covered by the Rules it shall be considered illegal unless prior permission has been sought and a determination made by the Committee of the CBA.There shall be no exceptions.

As the rules are silent on the right of a boat to display advertising, it is not permitted.
Other Advertising 
Other forms of advertising are permitted by the World Sailing Regulations.
Competitor Advertising is allowed provided the person in charge of the boat agrees Regulation 20.3.1
Event Advertising that the Organising Authority requires boats to display is allowed by Regulation 20.4.1

About

Couta Boats

News & Events

What's On

© Copyright 2024 – Couta Boat Association Inc

Facebook
Cart
Checkout - $0.00
  • 0
  • 1
CBA-Logo-2006-PMS-Cropped
View and order the Couta boat coffee table book
Go to:
Coffee Table Book: “The Tradition Lives On – a register of the historic Couta Boats”