The Rules of Racing for Sailing (RRS) are in place for pre-determined periods of time. We are coming out of the 2017 - 2020 version of the rules and those currently being published are following the course of history. Valid for the period 2021 - 2024, they now take further account of environmental protection issues. Calendarly, these rules are enacted at world level the year after the Olympic Games, and are then adapted locally by each National Federation.
Less discharge at sea
Up to now, at best, the ironing of large spis was done with pieces of wool, at worst with rubber bands. Allowing the spinnaker to be held in a sailstay for the duration of the launch, these fasteners are designed to break once the sail inflates. But wool or elastic, the crews of racing yachts threw the ties back into the sea with little consideration for their future, as long as everything was going well at the time of sending.
From now on, once the rule is published, things change. For both the sailing boat in the regatta and the accompanying boats, it is forbidden to use anything other than "scratch" or other "zip" systems. In any case, it is totally forbidden to throw the means of attachment used into the sea.
Alternatives exist
There are many alternatives, starting with Velcro bracelets or the PROtek SPK which allows to ironing with strands of wool without them being expelled when sending the Spinnaker . Other solutions will undoubtedly emerge depending on demand and the market.
Major rule
An important point which tends to prove that the FFVoile has taken environmental issues head-on, the rule in question (47) is a major one, i.e. under no circumstances can racing instructions reduce its scope.
How do you do it?
And you, which solution(s) do you use to shoe in a sea-friendly way? Let's talk about it on the yacht-Club Sailing Boat Forum !
