Class Measurement Rules 

1        Introduction

1.1     The Dart 16 was created as a strict one-design dinghy where the true test when raced is between crews and not boats and equipment.  The fundamental objective of the Dart 16 Class Rules (“The Rules”) is to ensure the strict one design concept is maintained.

1.2     The English text of the Rules shall govern.

2         Fundamental Rules

2.1     The Dart 16 shall be raced only with hulls, mast, sails, battens, rudder system, tiller, fittings, equipment, standing rigging and running rigging conforming to these rules

2.2     No additions alterations or repairs may be made to any part of the boat including the hulls, mast,  sails, battens, rudder system, tiller, fittings, standing rigging or running rigging supplied by a licensed Builder (see paragraph 3) except when such an addition, alteration or repair is specifically authorized ,by these rules (see paragraph 4).

2.3      Replacement of the hulls, mast, sails, battens, rudder system, tiller, fittings, equipment (including location) standing rigging and running rigging shall only be from parts supplied by a licensed Builder unless such replacement from another supplier is specifically authorized by these Rules (see paragraph 4)

2.4     Where replacement alteration or repairs are authorized by these rules, these shall be carried out using materials of construction and in a manner that gives no weight or other advantage.

3         Definition of Builders and Hull identification.

3.1     The builders of the Dart 16 shall be only those licensed by  Jo Richards and approved by the World Council of the Dart 16 Class Association.

4         Permitted Placements, Additions, Alterations and Repairs.

4.1     The following may be replaced by any of similar function, but of a different type, size and from any supplier

a)       Tiller extension and universal joint

b)       Method of retaining rudder stocks to boat

c)       Shackle pins

d)       Trapeze Adjusters

4.2     The following may be replaced by any of similar type, size and function, but from any supplier

a)       Cam Cleats

b)       Blocks

c)       Running rigging

d)       Standing rigging of the same diameter and length as that supplied by the licensed Builder.

4.3     The following additions and alterations are permitted and may include parts, which can be obtained from any supplier.

a)       The use of flexible adhesive tape and shockcord to prevent snagging of sails, sheets and lines is unrestricted but   shall not modify the effective sheeting of any sail nor the intended purpose or action of any equipment.

b)       One compass may be fitted

c)       Calibration marks of any kind are permitted

d)       Any design of mechanical wind indication devise is permitted

e)       Wedges may be fitted under cleats

f)        A towing rope may be attached.

g)       Any additional equipment required for safety purposes may be fitted or carried provided it is not used in contravention of these rules

h)       Clips, ties or bags to secure safety or other equipment are permitted

i)        Tell-tales may be attached to any part of the mainsail.

4.4      Repairs and preventative maintenance to hulls, mast, boom, rudder system, tiller fittings equipment, standing rigging and running rigging may be carried out without violation of these Rules provided such repairs are made in such a way that the essential shape and characteristics or function of the original are not effected

4.5      Preventative maintenance shall include the replacement of fastenings with alternatives providing that the equipment is replaced in the original position and in accordance with these Rules where relevant.

5         Measurements

5.1     The Dart 16 shall conform to these Rules.  All equipment shall be carried in the position as supplied by the builder.  In the case of a measurement dispute not explicitly covered by these rules, the procedure set out in paragraph 5.2 shall be adopted.

5.2      A sample of 5 sailboats or, if appropriate a sample of 5 items, not the subject of the measurement dispute shall be taken and measured using identical techniques.  The dimensions of the disputed sailboat or item shall be compared to the measurements taken from the sample and if the sailboat or item is outside the maximum or minimum dimensions obtained from the sample. The matter together with details of the measurement methods and any other relevant information shall be referred to the Chief Measurer of the Class Association whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.

5.3      In the event of a dispute alleging non-compliance with these Rules, the matter, together with any relevant information shall be referred to the Chief Measurer of the Class Association whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.

6         Sailing Requirements

6.1      The Dart 16 shall be raced with one or two persons onboard. Where there is one person onboard the jib shall not be set or used.

6.2      No person is permitted to race a Dart 16 in any Fleet, inter Fleet, District or other sanctioned event unless the owner or a joint owner, or a nominated representative of an organisation owning the Dart 16 is a current Full Member or Associate Member of the Class Association.

6.3      Only one mainsail, and two rudder blades shall be used for each series of races.  If such sail, or rudder blade is damaged to the extent that it cannot be repaired in time before the start of the next race in the series then a replacement may be used but only when the measurer for the series or if no measurer, then the Principal Race Officer has been notified and has approved the need for such replacement.

6.4      Whilst racing the Dart 16 it shall be rigged in accordance with normal practice

6.5      The trapeze gear shall be used by only one person at a time, who shall have at least one foot in contact with the boat.

6.6      Both rudders shall be at all times in the fully down position except when clearing under water obstructions.

6.7      Sail numbers shall be displayed on the mainsail in accordance with the builder supplied position.

6.8      Identification numbers in red to be displayed on the sails as per drawing (1) supplied by the Class Association.

7         Racing Rules of Sailing.

7.1      The Class Association may prescribe rules and restriction to Racing of Sailing 18 “ Advertising and Event Categories.

7.2      Advertising is permitted as per category "C" under the ISAF RRS. 

8         Amendments

8.1      Amendments to these rules may be made at the sole discretion of the World Council until 1st September 2002.  These amendments shall not come into force until the World Council has informed the membership of such amendments in writing and before the 1st September 2002.

8.2     Amendments to these Rules made after the 1st September 2002 shall be approved by each of:

a)      The World Council

b)      The Advisory Council

c)       At least two thirds of the membership replying to the international office of the class in response to a postal vote published by the international office of the class.  Only those postal votes returned to the International Office within one month from the date of publication of the rule changes shall be valid.