World Sailing approves urgent modifications to the specifications for storm sails
by World Sailing 11 Nov 01:43 PST
World Sailing © World Sailing
Following recommendations from the Special Regulations Sub-Committee, the Oceanic and Offshore Committee unanimously approved modifications to the specifications of storm sails to clarify their primary role as crucial safety equipment.
Matt Allen, Chair of the Oceanic and Offshore Committee, stated, “The usage of staysails has risen, and employing storm and heavy weather sails as staysails has become a usual practice. This reduces the number of sails onboard, but while a staysail enhances performance, it is not as efficient in storms or severe weather conditions.
“Without a precise definition of the conditions for which storm and heavy weather sails need to be designed and manufactured, a boat may carry such sails that comply with existing rules but are incapable of serving their purpose during storms or heavy weather situations.
“The approval of this proposal sets the standard for storm sails to be designed and made, ensuring that the equipment prioritizes safety requirements first and foremost, keeping sailors safe at sea.”
The urgent change, which consists of the addition of OSR 4.27.1 f), will take effect from 16 December 2024:
OSR 4.27.1 Design
a) the material used for the body of a storm sail acquired after 2013 must feature a highly visible color (e.g., dayglo pink, orange, or yellow)
b) aromatic polyamides, carbon, and similar fibers are not permitted in a trysail or storm jib, while HMPE and similar materials are allowed
c) sheeting positions on deck for each storm and heavy-weather sail
d) sheeting positions for the trysail independent of the boom, and
e) the maximum area of storm and heavy weather sails shall be the lesser of the areas below or as outlined by the boat designer or sailmaker.
f) the primary purpose of any storm sail or heavy weather sail is to deliver propulsion and steerage in storm and heavy weather situations, and they must be designed, manufactured, and maintained accordingly. Storm sails should be designed to ensure propulsion and steerage in Beaufort scale 8 and across all sailing points. Heavy weather sails must provide propulsion and steerage in Beaufort scale 6 and across all sailing points.
The submission was accepted as an urgent change possible under regulation 30.1.2.
