Reading the Notice Of Race for the next Marblehead-Halifax race, I try to figure out if the J/30 complies with the modification of #3.04.2 of ISAF OSR specified in the NOR section 1.2.3, that is:

1.2.3 OSR 3.04 Stability – Monohulls: -- Sub-paragraph 3.04.2 shall apply as follows:
(i) A yacht of less than 31 ft LOA in hull length:
(a) Shall have a minimum displacement of 3.0 tonnes (6,600 lb) and shall meet at least one of the following:
(b) Design Category A under ISO 12217-2 and an Angle of Vanishing Stability (AVS) greater than (130 – (2 x mass)) where mass is the minimum sailing displacement in tonnes, but always greater than 100°, or
(c) Minimum Royal Ocean Racing (RORC), STIX of 32, or
(d) Minimum RORC Stability & Safety Screening Numeral (SSSN) of 28, or
(e) Minimum ORR Stability Index (STBIX) of 110, or
(f) Class rules if those rules have been previously accepted by the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race Committee (MHORC), in which case 1.2.3 (i) (a) above does not apply.

(a) is much subject to interpretation - is that the actual displacement with crew in at the time of the start? - and I have no idea regarding the (b) to (f)...

Not that I feel the boat ready yet this year, but I have been slowly making upgrade to the boat with the idea to sail this race...
Thanks!

I just sent Rod Johnstone an email asking for some help in answering your questions.

Just go in there raging about Fastnet '79

Minimum 6600 lbs eliminates a hell of a lot of ocean capable boats. Farr/Mumm 30, Olson 30 for example.

Georges,

Rod Johnstone sent the following:

The J/30 meets the requirements of (a) with a displacement of 3.2 tonnes displacement in IMS measurement trim (empty boat) which is well over the 3.0 tonnes requirement of OSR 3.04. I believe it would also meet the ISO requirement under the paragraph (b) as long as deck and cabin are included. I am copying this to Al J for him to confirm whether the J/30 meets this requirement and/or the RORC STIX of 32.
Happy sailing in 2011!

Rod

Two of us from Halifax tried to register our J/30's for Marblehead in 2007 (along with Rod's help) and were denied entry due to not meeting the STIX ratings. Rod's comments on the modifications required on the keel of a J/30 in order to make it comply would result in it passing the STIX ratings and basically make the J/30 un-racable. I forget if the STIX was 32 so figures crossed the rating number has been amended in favour of the J/30.

Andrew

The answer is NO. I am part of the organizing committee and it does not pass the stability requirement. I pleaded the case before and submitted the articles about the Fastnet and an old IMS certificate. However for liability reasons the race will not allow boats to enter that do not meet the stability minimums.

I have done the race 3 times and the only real requirement is a heater (-:

Hello Andrew
I am going to try and find a place to crew Marblehead this year if you know of any spots let me know. Plan on starting to race Groovin this summer. I see there were two j30's at Chester last year.
Greg

Greg - I bet you can at least find a delivery spot down. That may be a good way to get on a boat. I will have beer waiting for you on the dock at the BYC.

DB

I am also looking at delivery. A cool beer is always a ggod way to meet. Look forward to it.
Regards

Bill, David, Andrew,
I am not sure how I missed your answers. My apologies and many thanks for those answers... however sad they are... :-(