I see this in rule 1.4. You have not reuced the weight or improved the moment of inertia, but you have "changed [the] standard shapes" of your deck. How did you return it to the original "shape" after you'd done it?

"1.4 Modifications shall be defined to include coring, drilling out, rebuilding or replacing materials, grinding, removing or relocating standard equipment in any way to reduce weight, to improve moments of inertia, or to change standard shapes, and filling in or closing with flaps any standard through hull fittings."

So how do we ask for an ammendment? Sounds like a several boats have already made the modification. I'd like to put these in and I'm having a trailer built so that I can show up for the NAs now and then. I'd hate to come to the NAs my first time to be told I can't race because of the opening potlights I'd put in for my wife [Linked Image from sailthebay.com]


I've read further into the rules and note that rule 5.4.4 allows the additon of "Deck prisms and/or ventilators which must be watertight when sealed shut." By adding opening ports I think you have ventilators that are watertight when sealed shut.

Then, of course, there's the opening notice to the rules "It is impossible to foresee every conceivable innovation which may be thought of in the future and to mention every suggestion that has been ruled illegal in the past. When considering anything in connection with the boat or sails or equipment which is not within established practice in the J/30 Class or is not clearly covered by the plans or specifications, you must assume that it is illegal, and must obtain a ruling from the Chief Measurer before attempting it." In which case I'm not sure what 5.4.4 might or might not mean, and I think I need an interpretation for the Chief Measurer.

May we have an interpretation from the Chief Measurer? Does 5.4.4 allow opening ports, and just in general, what does 5.4.4 mean? If opening ports are not allowed by 5.4.4, are they allowed by something else?

[This message has been edited by Mark (edited 08-26-2001).]