ISAF’s offshore rule changes – a detailed look

by Yachting New Zealand

In response to an international review of safety standards in boat design and construction conducted by ISAF, Yachting New Zealand has published a new appendix to the Safety Regulations of Sailing 2009-2012, Appendix 7.

Appendix 7 addresses ISAF’s new requirement that all racing boats built or modified after 1 January 2010 meet certain design and build standards.

Q: The changes seem very significant for anybody wanting to race in Category 1 or 2 events. What is the history behind it, and why have the changes been introduced?

The ISAF Offshore Special Regulations replace the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) rules that have been adhered to internationally on the racing scene since the 1980s.

When first introduced the ABS rules were used in much the same way as the new ISAF rules are being implemented: the designer and builder were required to submit their plans for approval. However in the face of rising insurance costs which the ABS were unwilling to shoulder, this practice stopped in the 1990s, and events (such as the Sydney-Hobart) required a declaration from the designer and the builder that the boat was designed and constructed to ABS standards.

The way that race boats are designed and built has changed significantly in the last two decades, and a number of years ago ISAF established a committee to develop a new standard which would give designers an up to date guide on design. This was partly driven by a number of failures where lives were lost due to underspecified designs.

It was important that Yachting New Zealand adopt the ISAF standards into its safety regulations to ensure that New Zealand built boats could participate in international events, and to ensure that New Zealand boats are designed and built to an acceptable safety standard that is recognised worldwide.

It is also important to understand that the regulations are a set of standards that any qualified designer is likely to use as a standard design tool.

Q: Who needs to meet these rules?

Appendix 7 will affect all racing boats built or modified after 1 January 2010.

If you started building your boat prior to 1 Jan 2010 then you will operate under the old rules and supply a declaration from designer and builder that it complies with the ABS Guide. However, if you change any significant structural item on the boat after 1 Jan 2010 then you will have to meet the ISO Standards and go through ISAF’s plan approval process.

All existing boats are grandfathered unless they are modified after 1 January 2010.

Maritime NZ have ruled that cruising boats do not currently need to meet the requirements outlined within Appendix 7.

Boats racing in Category 3, 4 or 5 events are also exempt.

Q: I am building a new boat – how will the new regulations affect my project?
Your designer will now work with the ISAF ISO standards, instead of the old ABS standards.

The difference is if you want to race Cat 1 or 2, you will need to submit the plans to an ISAF Notified Body for approval. This will incur a fee for the approval process.

Q: What if I don’t want to race in Cat 1 or 2 events right now, but change my mind in the future?
Even if you don’t submit the plans for approval, you should ensure that your designer will produce an ISAF ISO compliant boat. Having a compliant boat will keep your boat’s resale value high, because even if you don’t submit the plans now, a future owner will have the option of doing so.

Q: Who can approve our plans?
One of Yachting New Zealand’s biggest concerns is that the only ISAF Notified Bodies are currently based in Europe and as well as the time difference and possible language barriers, fees are charged in Euros.

A local office will make a major difference to the cost and time associated with getting approvals, and it’s something that we are working on, if not in New Zealand, then in Australia. There are a number of parties interested in taking on the role who are investigating it at the moment.

A locally based office will help to keep costs down for boat owners.

Q: What is the cost of plan approval?
This is a fee for professional services set by each approval office and is based on boat size and design complexity.

Yachting New Zealand has conducted an early price survey of a number of ISAF Notified Bodies to approve design drawings. Based on a 12m yacht, most quotes have been in the 2,000 - 5,000 Euro range, depending on complexity of the boat. The highest quote received, from one ISAF Notified Body, was 11,000 Euros but it should be noted that the design in this case was for an Open style yacht with complicated canting keel and structure.

Please talk with Yachting New Zealand or your marine designer if you wish to obtain an estimate or quote for your project.

Q: I am modifying an older, proven old boat to improve its performance – I intend to improve the keel and rig. How will the new regulations affect my project?
The modifications will need to meet the regulations set out in Appendix 7 if you wish to race in Category 1 or 2 events, and you will need to submit your plans to an ISAF office for approval.

Q: I have to replace the rig on an older boat. Will the new rig need to meet the regulations outlined in Appendix 7?
If you build a rig the same as the old one, then no, you don’t need to.

Q: Does the regulation apply to my cruising boat?
Cruising boats are exempt from these regulations.

Download the full list of amendments including Appendix 7 from the Yachting NZ website

Other rule changes now in effect

As a result of actions taken by the ISAF Racing Rules Committee and the ISAF Council during the ISAF Annual Conference, several changes in The Racing Rules of Sailing for 2009-2012 will take effect on 1 January 2010.

The changes affect Rule 18.2 relating to Mark Room, the definition of the term Obstruction, competitor advertising, and several items in the appendices and should be reviewed by all sailors participating in racing.

There are also a number of minor amendments to the existing Safety Regulation Book 2009-2012, most notably the reduction in inspection periods for boats racing under Category 2 and 3, from three years to two.

The changes can be viewed by clicking here

Yachting New Zealand