Yachting Australia Blue Book

by Courtesy Yachting Australia on 5 Mar 2004 The 2005 to 2008 Racing Rules of Sailing are to be implemented across the world on 1 January 2005. This is an ISAF decision, and whilst we will implement the plan, it will create some difficulties.

Not only is this half way through our season, but it is at the height of our Championship season with many events starting immediately after Christmas and extending into the New Year. It will also impact on World Championship and other International events (such as SailDownUnder) held here at that time or in early 2005.

We plan to have the new Blue Book available in bookshops and chandlers from mid November, and this should allow plenty of time for sailors to familiarise themselves with the new RRS. We will also, once the new RRS shortly become available from ISAF, produce an advice describing the changes of rules and Australian prescriptions.

Note that the Yachting Australia Special Regulations will remain in force until 30 June 2005 (this will necessitate the retention of the 2001 to 2004 Blue Book for six months). This latter is considered to be a lesser evil than having to change any equipment that may be different between the 2001 to 2004 and 2005 to 2008 Regulations.

If a series starts before 1 January 2005, it could be wise to complete the series under the 2001 to 2004 rules that applied at the start of the series.

In some racing areas however, such as the Swan River, Sydney Harbour, etc where different fleets are conducting concurrent regattas on tight waters it may not be possible to have different
'switch on' dates.

In these circumstances close liaison between Organising Authorities will be necessary to avoid any confusion.

It is suggested that subject to the above liaison, the following timetable be considered:

Any event, including an International event or Championship event starting before 1 January 2005. NoR and SI specify 2001 to 2004 RRS.

Any event starting on or after 1 January 2005. NoR and SI specify 2005 to 2008 RRS.

Club events, including point score events. Change to 2005 to 2008 RRS on 1 January 2005.
Both the NoR and SI will need to be specific and include the year reference in the rules clause, including Club 2004/05 season's SI.