March 7, 2002

Beneteau First 36.7 American One-Design Class Rules                           

1       Objectives

1.1    These rules, as adopted by the Beneteau First 36.7 American One Design Class Association (Class), are set in place to maintain the First 36.7s exceptional performance features; ease of handling, affordability, safety, comfort, and styling, while taking full advantage of them at all First 36.7 events.

1.2    All designs and dimensions of First 36.7s hull, rudder, spars, equipment, keel, deck, weight and distribution thereof, sail plan, and interior should be alike.  Only when exceptions are specifically cited in these rules will they be found acceptable.

1.3    The Class prohibits all modifications and alterations, unless cited in these rules, to all yachts competing in one design or class sponsored events. 

2         Administration

2.1      The Class will hold ultimate authority and ensure proper rule over all Class events.  The Class Executive Committee (EC) will manage class events and rules with the involvement of the copyright holder, as defined in the First 36.7 Class Constitution.

2.2      The EC will be responsible for notifying the public of any rule changes and class activities.

2.3      Beneteau USA, Inc. (BUSA) and Beneteau SA of France have the only authority for building First 36.7s in order to guarantee compliance with the First 36.7 building specifications, among other copyrights.

2.4      Molded fiberglass parts, spars, rudder, keel, engine and prop shall be supplied by BUSA or a Class technical committee.

2.5       The official language for the class shall be English.  The appearance of the word shall makes that statement mandatory.

2.6      Advertising for the Class shall comply with the International Racing Federations Racing Rules of Sailing and Appendix G, Category A.

3         Membership and Eligibility

3.1      An Active Member shall comply with Class Rules, shall pay annual dues, and shall be the Owner of a First 36.7.  Family members, crew or other individuals supporting the Class Association by paying annual dues shall be considered an Associate member.  

3.2      All Owners shall be Active or Associate Members of the First 36.7 Class. To be considered an owner, you must legally own 100% of the yacht, or an equal partner in the 100% ownership of the yacht. A partner (as defined in US Sailing Competitor Eligibility Appendix) is one of two or three partners; Group1 competitors that share equal partnership in the purchase of the complete yacht and the cost of its operations. 

3.3      The Driver of the yacht shall be an Active Member, or an Associate Member who meets all or one of these criteria: a) an immediate family member of the owner(s).  b) A Group 1 competitor and long-term shipmate of the Owner.  A Driver is defined as the person or persons who, steer(s) the yacht during the 5 minutes prior to and including the start, and until the finish. Exceptions for momentary absence due to personal or shipboard needs is acceptable. 

3.4      Group 3 competitors shall consist of all sailing industry related persons (excluding 100% Owner) who have not received US Sailing competitor eligibility determination. 

3.5      All races and events sailed under these rules will be categorized for crew eligibility at least 45 days prior to the start of the races as either one of the following:

       Level A: The aboard (excluding a 100% Owner) will be comprised of Group 1

       competitors. Only one (1) crewmember may be Group 2 competitor.

       Level B: The crew aboard (excluding a 100% Owner) will be comprised of Group 1

       and/or Group 2 competitors; allowance of one (1) crew member may be a Group 3

       competitor.

Level C: OPEN- The crew aboard (excluding Owner) may consist of any combination of Group 1,2 and 3 competitors. 

3.6      In a case where Level B of crew aboard is not determined by the Notice of Race or by Class notice 45 days prior to event, then a competitor should assume that Level A will apply. 

3.7      In addition to the non Group 1 competitors in #3.6 Levels A and B, representatives of  

BUSA and the First 36.7 Class Association may sail on a temporary basis, for no more than a combination of 5 days of racing aboard per year, with new

       owners of First 36.7 in order to familiarize them with the boat.

3.8      The EC will have final interpretation of these definitions and their application there of.

4         Measurement

4.1      A measurer will not measure a yacht in which he/she has special interest.

4.2      Is the responsibility of the primary helmsman and active members to ensure that their yacht complies with these Class Rules.

4.3      By participating in First 36.7 events or for First 36.7 one-design trophies, owners agree to permit First 36.7 Class Officers or Race Committee or their appointed representatives to board their boat for the purpose of inspecting, measuring or equalizing at any time during a regatta or within 24 hours before or after the regatta.

4.4      Variations.  Any variation from the Construction Specifications to a hull, deck, interior, keel, rudder or rig of a yacht for which there is no prescribed measurement shall be compared by a Class Measurer to a sample of 3 boats.  If the variation is within the range taken from the 3 yachts the Class Measurer may accept the variation.  If the variation is outside this range the matter shall be reported to the Chief Measurer for action.  Any boat that shows clear evidence that an attempt has been made to change its shape, or evidence is available to suggest this, shall have the matter referred to the Management Group for action.  The Executive Committee may, at its discretion, withdraw a boats certificate or take further action as stated in Rule 3.6. 

4.5      Lifelines, Stanchions and Pulpits.  Shall conform to the current ORC Special regulations.  When racing under the First 36.7 rule the lower lifelines shall not deflect lower than 100mm above the deck when firm downward pressure is applied to the lifeline halfway between any two stanchions.

5         Equipment Rules

5.1      Standard factory supplied furnishings and equipment, including but not limited to the swim ladder, Tuff Luff, emergency tiller, two 12 volt batteries, refrigeration system, pressure water system, holding tank, head, any of the interior or exterior components, floor boards, bunk cushions, and bulkhead door will not be relocated or removed when racing.  Exceptions include:  forward V-Berth cushions, salon settee back / arm cushions, LPG bottle, jib roller furling, salon table, bow roller and the 2 removable cockpit lockers may be removed.

5.2      Safety equipment shall at least, conform to ORC regulations prescribed by the applicable Notice of Race and/or Sailing Instructions.

5.3      Permitted while racing

5.3.1           Tactical instrumentation

5.3.2           Additional compasses.

5.3.3           GPS/Loran/VHF/Radar.

5.3.4           Interior cruising and day-sailing amenities, which do not enhance performance.

5.3.5           Foredeck lifeline netting, shroud rollers & other antichafing gear.

5.3.6           Alteration of the mainsheet traveler turning blocks and control lines is permitted.

5.3.7           Fine purchase on the backstay can be lead forward and to both sides.  Max purchase allowed is 48-1.

5.3.8           Through hulls.  No builder supplied through hulls shall be removed or replaced

            without prior permission of the Executive Committee.  All builder supplied

            through hulls shall be operable at all times.

5.3.9           Edson Pin.  The turning radius of the wheel can be modified by Edson.

5.4     Not Permissible for Racing

5.4.1           Halyard Locks or Hooks

5.4.2           Holes or Tubes that feed halyards or control lines through deck, hull or transom.

5.4.3           Altering Rudder or Keel Profile to exceed tolerances in Official Offsets.

5.4.4           Use of a mast or boom, which has been modified in any way, such as cutting off the mast butt to increase rake.

5.4.5          Drive Leg.  The surface may be lightly sanded in preparation for painting.  No grinding, removing aluminum or fairing of the saildrive leg or propeller is permitted.  Any paint system applied to the saildrive leg shall be of normal thickness, it shall be checked to manufacturers tolerances for standard configuration.  It is not permitted to fill the gap around the sail drive leg with any type of material, except as fitted by builder.

6         Sails

6.1.1           The intent of these rules is to discourage rule-beating sails. Therefore, any change

            that is not established practice or specifically covered by the sail plan and

            measurements is considered illegal until a ruling has been obtained from the Chief

            Measurer and the Executive Committee have concurred.

6.1.2           Sails shall be measured and constructed in accordance with IMS rules WITHOUT PENALTY and ISAF Equipment Rules of Sailing, except where otherwise stated herein.

6.1.3           Sails carried aboard, or used during an event where Beneteau 36.7s are competing as a class amongst themselves shall be limited to one class mainsail, one class genoa, one class jib and two class symmetrical spinnakers.

6.2     CLASS SAIL PURCHASING

6.2.1           Sail purchases are limited to 2 per calendar year

6.2.2           One mainsail and one jib in any 24-month period

6.2.3           One genoa and one symmetric spinnaker, each in any 12-month period.

6.2.4           A new boat purchaser may purchase one complete set of sails: mainsail, genoa, jib and two spinnakers in the first year of ownership.

6.2.5           Replacement sails due damage beyond the normal wear and tear or not associated with normal sailing (fire, lightning etcetera) must be documented and presented to the Executive Committee/class measurer for approval.

6.3      MAINSAIL:

6.3.1.1       Fabric limitations shall not apply.

6.3.1.2       Measurement of Mainsails:
All measurements are to be made with only enough tension to eliminate wrinkles.
The head of mainsail is measured from forward most edge of sail to aft edge of headboard.
The clew shall be the point of intersection of the line of the leech with the line of the foot.
The leech shall be measured in a straight line between top forward corner of headboard and projected corner of clew.
All girth measurements include the boltrope (forward most edge of sail).
Cross measurements: The leech girth is determined by folding the sail until the top forward corner of the headboard is even with the projected clew. The leech and girths are determined by folding the head or clew to the girth point. The top girth is determined by folding the head to the girth.

6.3.1.3       The mainsail shall be set within the bands on the spars at all times.

6.3.1.4       Dimensions shall not exceed:
Leech14581mm
Top girth1045mm (all girths to closest point of luff)
girth1805mm
girth 3087mm.
girth4040mm
Head175mm

6.3.1.5       A maximum of five (5) battens shall be fitted of any length so that the center of the batten pockets shall divide the aft edge of the sail into equal parts with a tolerance +/- 80 mm.

6.3.1.6       Batten material can be composite, excluding Carbon Fiber

6.3.1.7       The tack ring of the mainsail shall be affixed in the standard tack fitting.

6.3.1.8       The mainsail foot may otherwise be loose.

6.3.1.9       Reinforcement triangles at seams at leech of sail may be used. They shall not exceed 150mm in length and width.

6.3.1.10    Reinforcement patches underneath slide/eyelet locations may be used.

6.3.1.11    At least one serviceable reef set shall be installed no closer than 1830mm

                        up from the tack. Reef (s) may be fitted with a reinforcement band of

                        similar material not exceeding 150mm in width between luff and leech.

6.3.1.12    The mainsail shall be attached to the mast with sail slides or boltrope.

6.3.1.13    The mainsail may be fitted with a cunningham ring and flattening rings.

                        The cunningham may not be more than 350mm above the tack and the

                        flattener no more than 420mm above the clew. Cunningham may be fitted

                        with a reinforcement band of similar material not exceeding 150mm in

                        width between cunningham and clew.

6.3.1.14    The class insignia shall be black or white (contrasting to sail) with overall

                        dimensions of the B to be at least 785mm tall and the letters 36.7 to be

                        at least 200mm high. Insignia shall be affixed on both sides of the sail,

                        starboard side above the port side. Model number and box to be

                        perpendicular to the luff of the sail. Insignia to be located between the half

                        height and upper height of mainsail. See appendix A for Details

                       Upon winning a class championship a gold chevron may be place to the

                       right of the B

6.4     GENOA:

6.4.1           Fabric limitations shall not apply.

6.4.2           Measurement of Genoas:

            All measurements are to be made with only enough tension to eliminate wrinkles.

            The clew shall be the point of intersection of the line of the leech with the line of

            the foot.

 

            L.P. measurement including luff tape. Measured to forward edge of sail.

 

            The head is the width of sail at right angles to luff, from the forward edge of the

            luff tape. Should the tape not extend clear to the head, the line of the luff tape will

            be extended upwards to intersect with the projected line of the head.

6.4.3           Dimensions shall not exceed:
Head width108mm
Luff Maximum14350mm
Luff Minimum13600mm
Luff Perpendicular (L.P.) Maximum6161mm (155% of J)
L.P. Minimum5962mm (150% of J)
Mid-GirthShall be measured between the midpoints of luff and leech and shall not be more than 50% of the foot length. Intermediated girths at 25% and 75% (and so on) may not exceed values similarly proportioned to their distance from the head.

6.4.4           View windows, trim stripes, and tell tale windows permitted.

6.4.5           Leech and foot lines permitted.

6.4.6           Tacking lines not permitted.

6.4.7           Leech Battens not permitted.

6.5     JIB:

6.5.1           Fabric limitations shall not apply.

6.5.2           Measurements of jibs shall be taken in the same manner as genoas.

6.5.3           Dimensions shall not exceed:
Luff Maximum14350mm
Luff Minimum13250mm
Luff Perpendicular (L.P.) Maximum4173mm (105% of J)
L.P. Minimum3975mm (100% of J)
Mid-GirthShall be measured between the midpoints of luff and leech and shall not be more than 50% of the foot length. Intermediated girths at 25% and 75% (and so on) may not exceed values similarly proportioned to their distance from the head.

6.5.4           A maximum number of four (4) optional battens of any length may be fitted.

6.5.4.1       Batten pockets shall divide the aft edge of the sail into equal parts with a tolerance +/- 80 mm.

6.5.4.2       Batten material can be composite, excluding Carbon Fiber

6.5.5           View windows, trim stripes and tell tale windows permitted.

6.5.6           Leech and foot lines permitted.

6.6      SPINNAKERS

6.6.1           Measurement of Spinnakers:
All measurements are to be made with only enough tension to eliminate wrinkles.
The clew shall be the point of intersection of the line of the leech with the line of the foot.
The head is the intersection of the two luffs of the sail
Girths: whether at the foot or across the body of the sail between points on the luff and leech equidistant from the head
Centerline: measured with sail folded in half and around curve of centerline

6.6.2           Dimensions shall not exceed:
Luff Maximum (s)13960mm
Luff Minimum (s) 13500mm
Maximum Girth7160mm
Minimum Girth6860m
Minimum Foot Girth6560mm
Centerline length15400mm

6.6.3           Spinnakers to be woven Nylon or Polyester. Laminated fabrics shall not be permitted.

6.6.4           One of two spinnakers shall be manufactured from woven nylon with minimum nominal weight of not less than 40 grams per square meter

6.6.5            Adjustable leech, luff and foot lines shall  notbe fitted

6.6.6           Pull down patches not permitted

6.6.7           Headboard not permitted

7          Additional Rules

7.1      The maximum crew weight (in swimming apparel) for national level one-design racing, when prescribed by the race notice, is __635__ kilograms ( _1,400___lbs.) without limit on crew numbers and with owner driver counting weight.  For racing requiring a weigh-in, a yacht will only be asked once to do so, except when a substitute crewmember joins the crew aboard.  At that time, only the substitute will be weighed.

7.2      In order to ensure accurate sink for one-design racing: Yachts will be measured without the crew, with empty water tanks, with all gear, stores, sails and with not less than 5 Gallons of fuel aboard while racing in One Design events.

7.2.1           Gear shall be moved so that the distance on all boats from the lowest tip of the transom, measured vertically down the trailing edge on the rudder, to the water is equal on all boats.

7.2.2           Ballast prescribed by the organizers shall be then added so that the distance from the forward face of the stemhead fitting at a point representing a line projected from the top of the molded hull flange, measured vertically to the water, shall be equal on all boats.