Some feedback from the DFICA over the recent rule changes and the scope of some of them. Phil Burgess (Chair) had the following to say.

“The DFICA met recently to address concerns about some of the recent rule changes.

The World Council meeting held at the DF95 Globals in Fleetwood unanimously approved the adoption of DF65 Rules version 1.8 and DF95 Rules version 1.4 that had been circulated to all members. These related mainly to keel box patches and sail numbers.

That meeting also addressed a new issue that had been identified at the regatta relating to hull, keel, bulb and rudder treatment that extended well beyond that contained in the rules. The WC members present at that meeting approved a Special Resolution for the Rules Committee to address Hull and Appendage treatment where a “gloss painted factory type finish” was required to keep boats equal and provide certainty for skippers wishing to decorate and differentiate their boats. The Rules Committee were given until 1^st July to issue a further amendment.

In the haste to meet this commitment and publish the newly amended rules, there was a lack of time to seek broader consultation and the ability for member nations to fully consider the changes and their consequences.

The DFICA Executive Committee has agreed that more time should be provided for World Council members to consider the changes.

Consequently,

1. DF65 Rules Version 1.8 and DF95 Rules 1.4 will be effective from 1^st July 2023 – see relevant class pages for copies.

2. The proposed hull and appendage changes set out in DF65 Rules version 1.8.3 and DF 95 Rules version 1.4.3 will be deferred until this consultation process takes place.

The content and details of a Special World Council Meeting, to be held on 28^th August (UK time), will be communicated shortly.“

The rules committee have finalised the new revised class rules for both of the DF classes. The rules take effect from today, 1st July.

DFICA Chair Phil Burgess had the following to say –

“The DFICA Rules Committee finalised the latest rule changes overnight in time for the 1^st July application.

The notable changes are the hull sticker as a preventative measure, larger sail numbers for the DF65 and banning some hull and appendage treatments. The hull has to be a factory finish in gloss paint but decals may be applied. This arose from the Globals where several boats had excessive fairing left unpainted of the hull, keel, bulb and rudder. Existing painted hulls will be grandfathered until 2025.

We requested a definition of the DF65 battery hatch size. The Committee’s response was that they don’t think it’s necessary to define a size. It’s description says its sole function is to cover the hatch, so if it is big enough to cover one of the bolt holes then it has gone beyond that definition. It would also be just another event measurement, which we don’t need. So, I think a patch that covers the keel box channel immediately adjacent to the hatch is permitted, provided it doesn’t extend over the keel box bolt holes or the keel recess.

Rule changes will always attract comment, analysis and criticism, so the consistent key message to all skippers should always be that the boats are required to be sailed out of the box under the spirit set out in A.5. If we start using “non-performance enhancing” justifications, it opens up a precedent for many changes where the rules would need to become very definitive and run into many more pages. Use the KISS principle.“

The new class rules can be found on the DF65 page and the DF95 pages in the menu at the top of the page.