Flying Headsails

Recognising the evolution of sail types, IRC has introduced a new IRC definition of “Flying Headsail” with several rules in regards to the half width ratio to the foot length (greater than or equal to 62.5%), a maximum tack point position (STLFHmax), battens or stiffening of the sail are not permitted and several other rule requirements.

The Flying Headsail definition encompasses some ‘Code0’ sails that do not satisfy the Racing Rules of Sailing, Equipment Rules of Sailing or IRC definition of a spinnaker where the half width (SHW) shall be greater than or equal to 75% of the foot length (SFL).

Previously these sails rated as large headsails. Note that Code0s that are defined as a spinnaker are not impacted by this change.

See https://ircrating.org/irc-rule/ for the full rules and definitions relating to Flying Headsails.

A Flying Headsail is:

• Set Forward of the Forestay – either to the bow or a bowsprit
• The Half Width (FSHW) must be equal to or greater than 62.5% of foot length and less than 75% of foot length (FSFL);
• If the Half Width is less than 62.5% of foot length the sail must be rated as aheadsail. (This will increase the rating)headsail.
• If the Half Width is greater or equal to 75% of foot width the sail must be rated as aIf the Half Width is greater or equal to 75% of foot width the sail must be rated as spinnaker. (This will reduce the rating)
• No Battens
• typically these sails will be set on a furling device but this is not a mandatory requirement.
• The sail may not be set partially furled or partially reefed.

LIMITATIONS

The following limitations are requirements for a sail to be classed as a Flying Headsail. If it is not a Flying Headsail the sail must be rated as a Headsail or a Spinnaker depending on the FSHW/FSFL ratio.

• Half Width to Foot Ratio: = FSHW/FSFL
• Minimum FSHW = FSFL * 0.625
• Maximum FSHW = FSFL * 0.749
• STLFHmax – This is calculated for a specific sail using the formula: - STLFHmax = FSFL – (0.25 * J)

If the calculated STLFHmax is less than the value of J then the sail must be rated as a headsail.

This means that the minimum FSFL = 1.25 * J.

The sail must not be set further forward than the STLFHmax stated on the certificate. If STLFHmax is mid span of the bowsprit it may be that the bowsprit will not be strong enough at this point and the sail will need to be set further aft at a sufficiently strong point on the hull.

The STLFH cannot be declared by an owner and there is no rating benefit of declaring a STLFH that is shorter than STLFHmax.

Number of Flying Headsails

The number of Flying Headsails carried whilst racing is a rated value declared by the owner and shown on the certificate. A boat shall not have more than the rated number of Flying Headsails on board whilst racing.

A boat that has 2 Flying Headsails but is only rated for 1 Flying Headsail aboard may change between races/events subject to IRC Rule 21.1.5(d) and/or the Notice of Race.