Hi all,

Please find below the proposed Class Rule Changes from the International Technical Committee as discussed at last year’s AGM.

These proposals have been discussed and recommended for approval in principle by the OKDIA Technical Committee. It is purely the job of the Technical Committee to discuss and propose these changes, and the responsibility of whether to approve these proposals or propose amendments to them lies solely with the members i.e. each country.

Please take the time to read and understand the proposed changes. As a state association, we need to provide feedback to the Australian OK Association on if we support or oppose each of the six rule changes. So please send any feedback or your personal vote no later than February 15, 2025. 

Proposal 1

Amend to add

C.4 ADVERTISING

C.4.1 LIMITATIONS

(a) Advertising may be displayed only in accordance with the World Sailing Advertising Code.

(b) As permitted by World Sailing Advertising code 4.1.4, advertising on the boom shall be placed on the aft part of each side of the boom.

Reason - To change the rule to ensure that any event advertising is placed at the back of the boom.

This is to move any advertising away from any boom limitation marks and manufacturer marks at the front of the boom. We are also told that moving event advertising to the back of the boom could also provide better media exposure.

Proposal 2

Amend to add

C.5.1(b)(8)

(8) Any tool or equipment designed for the purpose of clearing the rudder from in water items.

Reason - to specifically permit the carrying of tools for the use of clearing the rudder from in water items.

Proposal 3

Amend to add

C.7.4(b)

(3) Any permitted spare fitting or any specific tool may be used to clear the rudder from in water

items.

Reason - To permit boats to carry tools or use spare equipment that can be used to clear the rudder from in-water items. 

Proposal 4

Amend to delete

Delete the rules that refer to certification of the mast, board, rudder and boom.

The rules are E.1.2(a), E.1.2(b), F.1.2(a) and F.1.2(b).

Reason - This will align the class rules with common practice where these items are rarely certified.

It is very common among WS classes to only certify the hull and sails so the OK Dinghy class would not be doing anything away from the norm.

Of course, this does not mean that the items in question do not need to comply with the class rules and it is still the responsibility of the owner to make sure their equipment complies.

Proposal 5

Amend to add

C.6.4(d) Any fittings or any control lines fitted to the hull to control the rake of the mast shall be completely forward of Station 3.

Reason - We are seeing more innovative control systems appearing and it will only be a matter of time before controls to adjust the mast rake become more common. This rule aims to pre-empt any development in this direction and to ensure that the controls are placed where they cannot be reached during racing and away from temptation. The Finn class already has a similar rule.

Placing this rule in Section C means ALL boats will have to comply with the new rule so any boat that currently has such systems that do not comply will be asked to modify them so that they are compliant with the new rule.

Proposal 6

Amend to add

G.1.2 CERTIFICATION

(a) Sails shall carry the official OKDIA sail label, purchased by the sailmaker from OKDIA. It shall be permanently attached on the exterior surface of the sail near the tack by stitching across it.

Reason - Some sailmakers are placing the OKDIA sail label between the layers of reinforcement at the tack of the sail. This rule clarifies that the label should be placed on the outside layer of the sail so that it can be signed or stamped in compliance with the class rules.