Op 7 Augustus vind, voorafgaand aan de UK Nationals, de jaarlijkse ledenvergadering (AGM) plaats van de Engelse Soloklasse (de National Solo Class Association, NSCA). Op de agenda staan twee aanpassingen van de klasseregels.
- Het 1e voorstel gaat om het maximaal toegestane correctiegewicht, nu 3kg, dat wordt voorgesteld te verhogen naar 5 kg. Zie hier de tekst van het voorstel.
- Het tweede voorstel gaat over de procedure rond meetcertificaten. De tekst van dat voorstel staat hieronder.
Proposal: New Boat Measurement Certificates – Rule Change and or Procedure
Background / Issue:
This issue has been outstanding for many years. A significant number of older and new boats continue to enter the class with new owners who do not hold valid measurement certificates. This creates enforcement problems at events, undermines the one-design principle, and places an unnecessary burden on both owners and the Class Association.
Obtaining the original measurement form when selling a boat is often difficult, as builders and measurers have historically not retained copies. In some cases, a full re-measurement is required. The root cause is typically that the new owner was given the measurement form but failed to submit it to the RYA.
(Note: Winder now keeps a copy of measurement forms, which is helpful.)
Proposed Solution
I propose a combination of a rule change and an updated administrative procedure with the RYA.
- Recommended New Rule (for the Class Rules)
Insert the following new rule (suggested placement: under the Measurement / Certification section):
C.3 Measurement Certificate
(a) The builder or the company/individual fitting out the boat shall send the completed Measurement Form directly to the RYA (or the appointed certifying authority) within 14 days of the boat being fully measured.the fee would need to be paid by the new owner .
(b) The RYA shall issue the Measurement Certificate and send it to the owner (or the first registered owner) of the boat.
(c) A copy of the Measurement Form shall be retained by the builder and by the measurer for up to 15 years
(d) The owner is responsible for ensuring that the boat has a valid Measurement Certificate at all times when racing. No solo shall be eligible to race without a valid Measurement Certificate.
Rationale:
This places the primary responsibility on the builder/fitter (who has the form immediately after measurement) rather than relying on the new owner to forward it. It ensures the RYA receives the form reliably and creates a clear audit trail.
- Supporting Procedure with RYA
Even without (or in advance of) a formal rule change, the Class Association can agree the following procedure with the RYA:
- Builders and measurers must send the completed Measurement Form directly to the RYA (electronically where possible) as soon as the boat is measured and the form is signed.
- The RYA issues the certificate and posts/emails it directly to the registered owner.
- Builders must retain a copy of every Measurement Form for at least 15 years.
This procedural change can be implemented immediately by agreement between the Class Association, builders, and the RYA, and would significantly reduce the number of boats sailing without valid certificates.or been sold without a certificate