|
INTERNATIONAL NACRA CLASS
ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK
PUBLISHED AUGUST 1998 Rev Jan. 1, 2008
FORWARD
This handbook includes the Class Rules for NACRA Catamarans. These Class
Rules are effective as of July 1, 1998 and have been authorized by
INTERNATIONAL NACRA CLASS ASSOCIATION.
As stated in the NACRA
Class Rules, each class is intended to be a
strict
one-design class. A certain degree of latitude in the Class Rules
permits
skippers to rig their boats to their personal liking for convenience in
sailing. However, the Class Rules do not permit any alterations that
will
make a standard factory boat less competitive than other boats.
NACRA sailors shall adhere to these Class Rules when racing as a
one-design
class and/or Portsmouth open class. Unlimited events such as long
distance
races and demonstration events may make exceptions to these Class Rules
provided that sailors are notified in the Notice of Race. The one-design
Class Rules shall be followed at all regional, national, and world
championship regattas within North America.
Any questions regarding these Class Rules must be submitted in writing.
Please send questions to the International Nacra Class Association, at
1800 E. Borchard Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92705, USA.
Early models were referred to as NACRA Inter 20. (N20)
1. OBJECT OF CLASS RULES
1. 1 The NACRA Class Catamarans are each a one-design
manufacturers class. The rules, official plans and specifications are
intended to ensure that the catamarans of these classes are, as nearly
as
possible, the same in regards to shape, weight of hulls, daggerboards,
rudders, spars, sails, and that the equipment is simple, functional and
dependable. The ultimate intent is to encourage the use of only racing
tactics and sailing skill to increase boat speed.
2. PROTECTION NACRA CLASS DESIGNS
2. 1 THE HULLS. Daggerboards, rudders, stocks, standing rigging, spars
and sails are strictly controlled except as specified in these rules.
Interpretations of these rules shall be given by Performance Sports
International,
Inc. (P.S. I., Inc.) in consultation with proper committees of the
International Nacra Class Association (hereinafter referred to as INCA)
. In
the event of a conflict between rules, official plans, measurement form
and
/or measurement diagram, the matter shall be referred to INCA. (NOTE: To
doubly guard against "loophole destruction" of these fine NACRA
Class Catamarans and their potential for lasting racing pleasure, every
deviation from past practice or precedent which is not specifically
spelled
out by plans, specifications or Design Rule is assumed illegal until
approved and thus recorded in writing by those administering the Class
Designing Rules.)
2. 2 MOLDS. All molds, patterns and templates for the hulls,
daggerboards, and rudders shall be constructed solely by
P.S. I, Inc. or
the builders licensed for that purpose by P.S. I, Inc., for NACRA
construction.
2. 3 ALTERATIONS TO MOLDS. No alterations shall be made to any molds,
official patterns or templates.
2. 4 CONTROL OF MOLDS. All molds shall be pulled from the official
class plugs maintained by P.S. I, Inc., and shall not be modified in
shape except to fair any surface imperfections.
3. HULLS, DAGGERBOARDS AND RUDDERS
3. 1 THE MANUFACTURE of hulls, dagger boards and rudders is strictly
controlled by P.S. I, Inc.,
Licenses to build these components are issued
by P.S. I., Inc., for
NACRA.
3. 2 ALTERATIONS TO HULL, DAGGERBOARDS AND RUDDERS. Grinding, planning,
sanding and/or application of putty, fillers and coatings on the outside
surface are permitted provided that it is undertaken to fair local
imperfections in these surfaces or to improve the surface finish and not
to
alter the intended shape of any surface.
3. 3 HULL WEIGHT. The hull weight may not be reduced by removing any
material except for the installation of inspection ports. A maximum of
three inspection ports per hull are allowed. Inspection ports are not
permitted forward of the main beam. None may have an opening larger than
six inches.
3. 4 RUDDERS. The rudder and rudder stock assembly, including the
method of attachment to the transom is not to be modified. Rudders may
be
raked to attain helm balance. Rudders can not be modified and must be
supplied by Nacra.
3. 5 DAGGERBOARDS. The top of the daggerboard may not be inserted below
the hand well. The shape and length may not be changed. No part of the
daggerboard or daggerboard well may be removed or added for the purpose
of
varying rake. All daggerboards manufactured by NACRA are legal for
racing
except ones which require modification of daggerboard or daggerboard
well
to accommodate them.
4. SPARS
4. 1 CONSTRUCTION. The material, method of construction and design of
the spars shall be in accordance with these rules and official Spar
Plan.
The mast, spreader, boom, beam, tiller and tiller tie bars shall be
fabricated only by NACRA or builders licensed by
P.S. I., Inc., for
NACRA.
4. 1a Material Carbon mast by a licensed builder is allowed on the NACRA
20 class.
4.2 MAST. The extrusion length and position of the mast head, mast
hound, jib halyard strap eye, spreader and mast base are not to be
altered
in any manner. The gooseneck and diamond wire tangs may not be moved
from
the factory supplied position. Rotator arm maybe relocated using
the new casting, control system is open.
4.3 SPREADERS. The spreader arm lengths may not be altered. NACRA
adjustable rake spreaders are allowable on all models. The diamond wires
are to be securely attached at the spreader ends.
4.4 BOOM. The boom shall be constructed of Aluminum, and the extrusion
length and the method of attachment to the gooseneck are not to be
altered.
The mainsheet blocks are to be hung from permanently fixed bales. Bales
may not be affixed aft of the original position. All other running
rigging
hardware is a class legal option on the NACRA 20, when
supplied by a licensed builder.
4.5 BRIDLE FOILS AND JIB LOWERING SYSTEMS. Bridle foils and jib
lowering systems are not allowed and are considered not class legal.
4.6 MAIN BEAM. The aluminum extrusion length, mast step and dolphin
striker assembly are not to be altered. Internal controls may be
installed.
4.7 REAR BEAM. The aluminum extrusion length may not be altered with
the following exceptions: internal controls limited to crew restrainer
systems only.
4.8 TILLERS, TILLER TIE BAR AND EXTENSION. Tillers and tiller tie bar
may be shortened. Tiller extensions (hiking sticks) and design are
optional.
4.9 SPAR WEIGHT. No holes may be drilled, filed or cut into any
manufacturer supplied component, spar or casting for the purpose of
reducing weight.
5 RIGGING
5.1 CONSTRUCTION. All standard rigging (including diamond wires) shall
conform with the wire types and, diameters shown in the manufacturers
rigging schedule, wire diameters shall not be less than those shown in
the
rigging schedule. Running rigging and associated blocks, shackles, and
cleats are not controlled except as specified in these rules. Rope tails
on halyards are permitted. Jib halyards may not be led internally in the
mast. Halyards must be long enough to raise and lower sails while the
boat
is in an upright position. (NOTE: wire length is measured from bearing
point to bearing point.)
Rigging Schedule
NACRA 20
Wire type Minimum Wire Diameter Lengths
Shrouds 1 x 19 5/32
Forestay 1 x 19 5/32
Diamond Wires 1x19 1/8
Jib Halyard 7x19 1/8
Trapeze Wires 1x19 3/32
Bridle 1x19 5/32
5.2 MAIN AND JIB LUFF tension systems are optional but may not be led
inside the mast.
5.3 TRAPEZE. Double trapeze is allowed on 20. No continuous trapeze systems are allowed.
5.4 FOOT STRAPS, SAFETY LINES, or the like may be added to assist the
crew to trapeze. Hiking assist inboard is optional.
5.5 ALTERATIONS. Lengths of bridle wires are not to be altered. Jib
tack attachment may not be below bridle intersection. The forestay or
its
extension is to be attached at the bridle intersection. The forestay,
shrouds, and diamond wires shall not be adjusted while racing.
5.6. EQUIPMENT may be added or changed to conform with current or
previously supplied NACRA
series production equipment. All such
equipment
supplied by NACRA shall be considered class legal.
5.6a Main sheet purchase may not exceed 10:1 on any boat. Multiplier or
fine tuning systems (Magic Blocks) are illegal.
5.6b Trampolines; all boats must be equipped with an NACRA licensed
trampoline. Hiking straps, spinnaker and equipment bags may be added or
altered. Up to 8 grommets or straps may be added as gear attachment
points. No other modifications are allowed. The tramp size, shape, and
method of attachment to the hulls or beams may not be altered.
5.6c Downhaul may not exceed 8:1 purchase on the N-20.
5.6d Jib control system
may be original NACRA equipment or NACRA
licensed self tacking jib control
system.
6. SAILS AND BATTENS
6.1 CONSTRUCTION. The material, method of construction and design of
the sails shall be in accordance with the sail plan. The sails for the
NACRA
20 shall be built for NACRA from patterns and sail cloth
approved by NACRA. Sails shall be fabricated by builders licensed by
P.S. I., Inc.,
for NACRA. Battens may be of wood, carbon, foam fiberglass or
fiberglass. A set may consist of a combination of these types. All
batten
pockets must contain battens while racing, the only exception being a
torn
sail which loses a batten or battens during a race from a damaged batten
pocket. (Only one batten per pocket is permitted.)
6.2 ALTERATIONS. The mainsail can not
be re-cut. The jib sail and
spinnaker may not be re-cut. Windows, tell-tale windows, and chart
pockets
are optional. Class insignias may not be repositioned or altered in any
manner. A minor repair to the sail may be done by a local sail maker as
long as there is no alteration to the original shape or sail design. Any
sail extremely damaged (panel replacement) and/or requiring seam repair
must be repaired and re-measured by a INCA licensed sail maker
6.2a Sail reinforcement. Load straps may be applied to the following
corners, head, clew, tack and cunningham on the main, jib and
spinnaker. Straps may not exceed 12 inches from bearing surface. Chafing
strips may be added to mainsail batten pockets where they come in
contact with the shrouds. Spreader patches are
allowed.
6.2b NACRA licensed jib
clew plate may be added in lieu of the clew grommet supplied on all jib
sails prior to March 1, 2002.
6.2c Reef points are not
allowed
6.2d Leech line may be
added to the N-20 jib, maximum line size of 1/8’ in diameter. Any type
polyesters or aramids family of lines may be used.
6.3 LUFF ROPE. The entire
mainsail luff rope must be in the mast luff
groove.
6.4 Number of sails
allowed in an event; one mainsail, one spinnaker and one jib if
applicable. Changes allowed in an event do to damage, either major
repairs or replacement can only be done with jury approval.
7. CREW: Class legal minimums
7.1 Minimum Live Sailing Weight, Minimum Sailing Weight, corrector
weight location and method of fixation;
7.1a Minimum Sailing
Weight shall be the weight of the crew at registration, dressed in
shorts / t-shirt or swim suit, and barefoot. Normal undergarments may
also be worn with the aforementioned clothing.
1. The NACRA 20 Minimum
Live Weight shall be 275lbs. consisting of a minimum of two (2) persons.
7.1b Minimum Sailing
Weight shall be the Minimum Live Weight plus corrector weights if
necessary.
1. The NACRA 20
Minimum Sailing Weight shall be 325lbs; however, for crews requiring
more than 25lbs. plus 1/2 of the additional weight required need be
carried.
7.1c Corrector Weights;
corrector weights shall be attached to the outside of the main beam or
within 1 foot aft of the main beam on or in the hulls or trampoline.
Weights shall be securely attached to the boat and shall not be moved
while racing. Attachment shall be with tape, or by tying with line led
thru the weights. Screws, rivets, nuts and bolts are not allowed.
Weights must be easily accessible and easy to remove for
check-weighing.
.
7.2 Boat Weight. The NACRA 20 shall have no minimum class
weight, but there are no alterations allowed to standard construction
for
the purpose of reducing weight from the manufacturer-supplied condition.
8.0 SAFETY EQUIPMENT. All NACRA catamarans must carry safety equipment
as required by the U. S. Coast Guard while racing.
8.1 One PFD must be worn by each crewmember
while racing.
8.2 A righting line of 3/8" minimum diameter and 14' minimum length.
9.0 SPINNAKERS, POLES, AND RIGGING
9.1 Spinnakers are considered class legal for NACRA sanction regattas,
spinnakers shall be fabricated by builders licensed by
P.S. I., Inc.,
for
NACRA.
9.2 POLES. NACRA 20, NACRA stock poles may be changed to
optional factory carbon pole.
9.2a Any Snuffer is considered class legal if purchased through
P.S. I., Inc.,
The spinnaker tack distance from the front beam must remain the
same.
9.3 Rigging spinnaker attachment points bale, hound, etc. shall not be
modified from stock configuration. All lines and blocks are left to the
boat owner.
10. WARRANTY. Modifications allowed by these class rules may not
necessarily be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Modifications
outside of the class rules, such as larger spinnaker, will void the
manufacturer's warranty.
11. COMMUNICATIONS, RULE INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENTS
11.1 Valid questions regarding these rules must be mailed to INCA
headquarters.
11.2 Class rules may vary slightly from one country to another. Do not
assume that the rules that apply for the United States will apply in
another country. Be certain to familiarize yourself with the class rules
of the country in which you are competing. A licensed Inter builder in
another country may modify the INCA class rules for that country
provided
that they have been approved by INCA.
11.2a The manufacturer, P.S. I., Inc.,
reserves the right to make changes to
the class rules, if the class membership falls below fifty active class
members.
11.2b Class voting is to be held only by active class members, which are
class members prior to the issue being voted on. An active class member
is
an Inter class boat owner, whose annual class dues have been paid.
11.2c Annual Class Dues cover membership from January 1st through
December 31st of the year paid.
11.3 For International Events, the class rules will be approved by INCA
and P.S. I., Inc.,
the manufacturer, and listed in the racing instructions.
11.4 INCA consists of a governing board of directors, fleet directors,
and an official rules and policies committee. Class rules are governed
by
the manufacturer.
11.4a Rule changes. A proposal must be presented to the class to amend
an
existing class rule or a change in the boat design. Send a detailed
letter
to Rules and policies committee. Ballot wording and content is the
responsibility of the Rules and Policies Committee.
The INCA mailing address is:
International Nacra Class Association
1800 East Borchard Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
U.S.A.
Rev: Date Dec. 29, 1999
5.3 added wording, 5.6b revised, 6.2a new, 6.2b
new, 6.4 new
Rev: Date Feb. 11, 2000
added Inter 17R rules
Rev. Date March 31, 2000 added 6.2c
Rev. Date June 7, 2000 added 5.5a
Rev. Date Sept. 29, 2000 changed 7.1 deleted 7.3
& 7.4
Rev. Date Nov. 7, 2000 changed 7.1a1&2
Rev. Dated Feb. 8, 2002 added 5.6d 6.2b
Rev. Dated Aug. 6, 2002 changed 5.6c
Rev. Date June 4, 2003 change 5.1, delete 5.5a
Rev. Date Sept 2004
replaced Inter with NACRA
Rev. Date Dec. 31, 2004
I-17R removed
Rev Date. March 2006 Changed
3.4, 5.6a
Rev. Date Dec. 2007 added P.S.I., Inc. & removed
I18
Rev. Date Dec. 2007 removed N17 rules & change rule
4.2 effective 01-01-08
|