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National Meeting Recap: Officer Nominations Open, Racing Rule Amendments Passed

Lewis Volk | Published on 7/9/2025

Jeff and John were nominated to continue as Commodore and Vice Commodore, with additional nominations open until July 29, 2025. Other business was discussed, including positive finance and membership reports, and continued growth on social media. Two amendments to the BCA Racing Rules were discussed, voted on, and passed. Details of the amendments:


Amendment #1 – Safety Equipment (Rule IV.A.4):
Old: An anchor and rode were required equipment.
New Language:

IV. General Rules
A. Safety Equipment
4. Anchor Recommendation: While not required, it is strongly recommended that the boat is equipped with an appropriate anchor and rode. The decision to carry an anchor is at the captain's discretion, but having one can be essential for safety in case of emergency.

Explanation: This change removes the requirement to carry an anchor and rode, recognizing that they are ineffective or unnecessary in many areas where members sail.


Amendment #2 – Forestay/Jib Halyard Options (Rule V.D.4):
New Addition (c):

V. Hull, Blades, Spars, Rigging and Other Equipment Rules
D. Standing Rigging
4. The forestay/jib halyard shall be:
a. One piece of 1/8" diameter stainless steel wire rope of 7 x 19 construction (for the original Chrysler tube-on-tube furling system);
b. One piece of 1/8" diameter stainless steel wire rope of either 7 x 19 or 1 x 19 construction contained within the luff of the jib (wire luff furling system) plus a separate jib halyard which shall be 1/8 " diameter stainless steel wire rope of 7 x 19 construction. A synthetic rope tail may be spliced or otherwise connected onto the end of this jib halyard for use in a multi-block jib-tensioning device.
c. Dyneema or similar material with a breaking strength equal or higher than that of 1/8" diameter stainless steel wire rope.

Explanation: This addition allows for the use of modern high-strength synthetic materials like Dyneema for forestays or jib halyards, expanding rigging options while maintaining safety and performance standards.

US Sailing
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