2023 IRC RULE 15 and 21 – AFT RIGGING

Reason for change: In 2017 the IRC Rules and associated code moved away from separately defining Running Backstays and Backstays into a single term of Aft Rigging. After review this is a better term to use in the rules rather than define individual components of the aft rigging.

Amend IRC Rule 15 and 21.1.6 as follows:

15 MANUAL POWER

15.1 RRS 52, Manual Power, shall not apply. This Rule may be amended by Notice of Race.

15.2 (a)

The use of stored power for the hoisting of mainsails, or the reefing or furling of sail need not be declared.

1. (b)  Boats using stored power solely for the adjustment or operation of backstays aft

   rigging shall declare this to the Rating Authority.

2. (c)  Boats using stored power for the adjustment or operation of running rigging other

   than as noted in Rules 15.2(a) & (b) shall declare this to the Rating Authority.

3. (d)  Boats shall not use stored power for steering unless specified by the Notice of Race.

     

21.1.6 (a)

Effect:

Adjustment or detachment of forestay and/or shrouds including diagonal and jumper shrouds, or movement of the mast at the foot or the deck while racing is not permitted except:
(i) in the case of a boat without running backstays, checkstays or adjustable

backstay aft rigging when the forestay may be adjusted but not detached.

Use aft rigging rather than backstay etc. in the rule.