J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum One Design Class Rules Proposed 2008 Rules Changes for Discussion

J/30 Class,

During the Board of Governors meeting at the Sept 2007 NAs, there were discussions held on some proposed class rule changes. I've taken the liberty of incorporating these as a proposed 2008 class rules update for comment.

This document is based on the 2005 Class rules, by-laws and specifications. They have all been assembled under a single cover (similar to the 1999 version of the class rules). A summary has been added in front of the document that outlines the changes to the class rules documented since 1997.

The 2008 changes include the items discussed at the Board of Governors meeting held in Annapolis at the 2007 North Americans:
1. Removal of V-berth cushions for racing
2. Elimination of stove as a requirement for racing
3. Addition of alternate source for J/30 one-design rudder

The document is available for downloading at this link: http://www.j30.us/files/J30-2008-Class-Rules-draft-29Apr2008.doc
The 2008 changes are annotated as Bold / Italic text. Please review this and submit any comments in this thread.

Bill Kneller
Rhapsody J/30 #348
J/30 Class Association
Southern New England District Governor

1. V Berth Cushions: I am generally opposed to this as it goes against the spirit of the rule for racing with original equipment vs. optional equipment (such as the table), which is a good rule that promotes fairness. I also think that accommodating this sets a precedent for further removing interior equipment that will ultimately degrade the One Design appeal of the class (which was, for me, a real consideration when I purchased my J/30). What's the reason behind this proposal?

2. Stove: Very opposed to this. I understand there were different models and some people have removed broken stoves from their boats. However, it's a considerable piece of equipment and it's certainly original to the boat. Allowing the removal of the stove means that those who are disinclined to do so will be at a disadvantage. The stove isn't something I would care to remove each time I do an OD event. A better rule will be to require those that have removed there stoves to either have a replacement stove or something of comparable weight in the same location. To that end, I think we need to broaden the list of allowable replacements/alternatives, rather than go the other direction.

3. Replacement rudder: A good idea given the limited availability and high cost of the current replacement options. However it, of course, needs to be of the same dimensions and approximate weight (dimension being more important than strict adherence to weight).

After reading Jason's post it occured to me that those who were not at the BOG meeting did not have the benefit of hearing the rationale for changes. Let me try and convey the rationale, and if others who were there think I missed a point, please clarify it.

1. V-Berth Cushions: The rationale is that people who cruise end up getting the V-Berth cushions trashed / wet from sail changes and spinnaker sets / douses for those who use the forward hatch. This was deemed to be a "no cost" change with no significant change in weight that would have no impact on sailing performance.

2. Stove Removal: This topic received much discussion last year before the 2007 NAs. Look at this thread to see history: https://j30.us/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/6693/Class_Legal_Stove_Replacement.html#Post6693

There was a dicussion at the NAs by the BOG that included what a replacement equivalent weight should be. This is aggravated since older model boats just had the cook tops while newer model boats had full ovens. Some boats had propane lockers too. The conclusion reached was maybe it was just as easy to eliminate the stove as a requirement.

3. Rudder: John McArthur brought a sample rudder for inspection made to the one-design templates by IdaSailor. The rudder weighed about 40 pounds. John checked with IdaSailor and they indicated that during the fabrication process they could easily add weight to bring the rudder to 55-65#. Since there was no specification in the original plans on rudder weight, it was felt that 60 pounds was a reasonable weight to have a second source rudder that is form, fit & function equivalent to the original drawings.

[This message has been edited by Rhapsody #348 (edited 04-30-2008).]

In this context, I can understand the reasoning behind allowing the cushions to be removed.

I'm still not sold on omitting the stove though. It weighs about as much as an anchor and I think the burden of finding a replacement stove or a suitable analog (like lead weights)for the owners that do not have the stove installed is less of a burden than having most owners go through the hassle of removing theirs to maintain (at least the illusion of) a competitive edge.

As part of the republishing of existing drawings and information for the class rules, I'm getting better (more readable) copies of the keel and rudder drawings from J/Boats. Additionally, the Keel & Rudder Section offsets have been typed into an Excel spreadsheet that will be more readable, and downloadable for people who want to have templates made.

I'd like to ask the class to review the Excel spreadsheet (two tabs - "Keel" and "Rudder") at this link and check to make sure that the numbers are accurately transferred: http://www.j30.us/files/J30-Keel-Rudder-Section-Offsets.xls

The source for these numbers is at this link: http://j30.org/html/technical/BasicSpecificationsandDrawings0207.pdf
(Keel page 2, Rudder page 3)

Please post validation checks in this thread and let me know if there are any errors.

Thanks,
Bill

I am in favor of all proposed rule changes.

The v-birth cussions simply get wet when taking down the spinnaker through the front hatch. There is no real reason to have them on board when racing. Unless of course some of the crew will sleep at the bow...

2008 Rules will be posted on website soon. Here is a summary of the changes as approved by the BOG on 22 May, effective 1 July 2008:

• Makes the V-Berth Cushions optional so they may be removed for racing (5.3)
• Permits alternate single or double burner stove mounted in same location with specified minimum weight (5.3)
• IdaSailor Marine of Boise, ID is added as an approved source for replacement rudders built to J/30 original specifications and specifies a minimum weight of 60 pounds. (5.6.1)
• Consolidates By-Laws, Class Rules & Specifications under a single document, as last done in 1999
• The drawings for the keel, rudder, mast, and shaft/prop installation have been "remastered" for readability. There is no intention to change information or dimensions that have remained the same since the original drawings were provided 5/9/80 by Rod Johnstone.

Wording being incorporated under interpretations of para 5.3

Standard interior equipment includes (but is not limited to) the following:
• cushions for all berths and settees (V-Berth cushions may be removed for racing)
• stove (In lieu of the original stove a replacement single or double burner stove is allowed that fits where the original stove is located. Adjustments to mounting may be made to accommodate dimension variations, as long as the original intended location is maintained. The replacement stove may use alcohol or gas (butane, propane, etc.). The replacement stove and associated cover / cutting board with fuel shall weigh 18 pounds minimum with weights permitted to augment as required.)