Class Rule Interpretations

Below is a summary of known ISAF interpretations of (or informal opinions on) the International 14 class rules, excluding certain interpretations where the relevant rule has since been changed. Such interpretations are formally valid only for two years and (rather obviously!) apply to the rules as in existence at the time the interpretation was issued. They may also be applicable only to specific situations or to certain layouts/designs of the equipment in question.

The below is published for information only and no responsibility is accepted for its completeness, accuracy or relevance to a particular situation!

'T-foil' rudders generally

In December 2001, an interpretation of the class rules was requested from ISAF, to confirm the legality or otherwise of so-called ‘t-foil’ rudders. The following is the text of the opinion received from ISAF. It is relevant to rudder foils in the configuration as used at the Bermuda Worlds (November 2001), in which the leading edge of the foils were some way below the bottom of the skin and aft of the transom. ISAF stressed their opinion could be different were the foils to be rather closer to the skin of the boat….

International 14 Class – Interpretation

ISAF was requested by the International 14 Class Association to provide an interpretation of the International 14 class rules, as regards the legality or otherwise under these rules of so-called ‘t-foil’ rudders.

In accordance with the ISAF Regulations, after consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Centreboard Boat and Measurement Committees, the following interpretation is issued:

“The examples of ‘t-foil’ rudders submitted do not contravene class rule 1(a). The foils do not elongate the skin of the boat. “

21 December 2001

Hydrofoils – dihedral

ISAF approved the class rule 6 “Hydrofoils” in November 2002. Prior to this, a question had been raised as to whether hydrofoils would be allowed to have dihedral (that is, be angled up or down). This question was put to the ISAF Centreboard Boat Committee meeting, which considered the rule change. The opinion received was that there was nothing in the rule wording which would prohibit dihedral

Asymmetric or sliding racks

In the mid-late 1990’s, ISAF were requested for an opinion as to the legality of racks (or wings) which, although themselves only as wide as the maximum beam, could be slid out to either side of the hull (similar to a ‘sliding seat’ on an International Canoe).

Due to timing constraints, only an unofficial interpretation was given. However, the opinion received was that the beam measurement should be centred about the middle – i.e. centreline – of the hull. It was thus felt that sliding racks as described above would be illegal should they extend to more than half the maximum beam either side of the centreline.