Whisker Pole Q&A

Q. What is a whisker pole?

A. The ERS definition of a whisker pole is: "A spar attached to the mast Spar and connected to the headsail clew." A whisker pole may be used to set a headsail to windward (e.g. goose-winged), or to leeward (e.g. a 'reaching strut') and must be attached to the mast.

 

The same pole may be considered and declared a 'spinnaker pole' and/or 'whisker pole' as it is defined by its use - i.e. to which sail it is connected.

 

These are both whisker poles:

Q. If my IRC rating certificate does not state that I have a whisker pole, can I still pole out my headsail instead of using a spinnaker?

A. No. IRC Rule 21.3.6 states: “A boat shall declare using any spar as a whisker pole to set a headsail or a flying headsail”.

If you pole out your headsail but are not rated for a whisker pole, you will be in contravention of IRC rules

Q. Why has my rating increased for a whisker pole this year, when it is the same pole that I used last year?

A. In 2020 IRC received feedback that a boat with a bowsprit only was paying heavily to use a whisker pole, while a boat rated with a spinnaker pole saw no change in rating to use a whisker pole. We agreed that this was not equitable as any boat will benefit from being able to pole out a headsail under varying circumstances - be it to leeward when reaching, or goose-winged downwind in breezy conditions.

Therefore, from January 2021 (June 2021 in the southern hemisphere) the majority of boats that wish to have the option to pole out a headsail will see a small rating increase. The effect will depend on the individual boat and configuration, but you can expect a rating increase between +0.002 and +0.005. 

The exception is if in 2020 you had a bowsprit and a whisker pole so were rated for bowsprit & pole(s); in that case with a bowsprit only plus a whisker pole the rating will reduce slightly. 

Q. Is a whisker pole the same as a jockey pole?

A. No, unless it is used to also pole out a headsail. A jockey pole is used on the spinnaker guy only and you may use one while racing IRC, without a declaration.

Please ensure that your IRC certificate accurately reflects how you use any poles carried aboard.

The IRC rules page includes links to the Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS), Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and Offshore   Special Regulations (OSR): ircrating.org/irc-rule/

Spinnaker and Whisker Poles

Spinnaker pole length (SPL) - whisker pole - flying headsails

This year there are some major changes regarding spinnaker pole length, whisker poles and flying headsails.

If you are applying for revalidation they will be asked to confirm some information regarding pole configuration and spinnaker pole length.

Please look at the new IRC Rules and other guidance on the IRC website Rules and our downloads page well in advance:

• IRC 2021 Rule & definitions    

• Software changes that may affect TCC

• Flying Headsail rules summary and Questions & Answers

It is in your interests to confirm the following details at revalidation, as the 'default' values are likely to give a higher rating.

A new definition of Spinnaker Pole Length (SPL) has been added to enable IRC to better rate boats with bowsprit AND spinnaker poles where previously the maximum STL was used for rating purposes. The spinnaker pole has been removed from the STL definition and IRC Appendix A4 now includes:

SPL The greatest horizontal distance from the forward face of the mast spar, ignoring any fittings and tracks, measured on or near the centreline of the boat, to the extremity of the spinnaker pole.

Bowsprit/spinnaker pole configuration

Boats will be rated according to whether they use a spinnaker pole and/ora bowsprit according to the following configurations:

0. No bowsprit or spinnaker pole(s), spinnaker may be tacked on deck

1. Bowsprit only, no spinnaker pole(s)

2. Spinnaker pole(s) only

3. Bowsprit and spinnaker pole(s)

4. Articulating bowsprit only

If this question is not answered your new rating will be based on your last declaration when spinnaker and whisker poles were combined so, for instance, you may be rated for a spinnaker pole when you only have a whisker pole and vice-versa.

Whisker pole

In 2020 IRC introduced whisker poles into the rating scope for spinnaker poles; this resulted in some boats having a substantial increase in TCC and was reviewed for 2021.

Now there is a definition of whisker pole in the 2021-2024 Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) the 2021 IRC software includes changes to the rating of whisker poles with the intention of rating them more equitably.

IRC Rules now read:

21.3.6 A boat shall declare using any spar as a whisker pole to set a headsail or a flying headsail.

This is now a simple yes/no question.

If this question is not answered and you previously declared 'spinnaker and/or whisker pole(s)' then your new rating will include a whisker pole.

If you make no declarations on these at the time of revalidation, either we will contact you again for the information which will hold up your application or the certificate will be issued with defaults and an amendment fee will be incurred to correct it necessary.

SPL(Spinnaker Pole Length) see drawing.

If there is no change to your spinnaker pole since the boat’s last rating, you will only need to supply SPL for certain configurations:

0. No bowsprit or spinnaker pole(s), spinnaker may be tacked on deck - SPL not applicable

1. Bowsprit only, no spinnaker pole(s) - SPL not applicable

2. Spinnaker pole(s) only - we will use the previously declared/measured STL (unless you declare a change)

3. Bowsprit and spinnaker pole(s) - please declare SPL if it is shorter than the last rated STL. If no SPL is supplied we will use the last rated STL also for SPL.

4. Articulating bowsprit only - SPL not applicable

NOTE: for SPL measurement the pole must be fixed on the mast on the centreline – see Definition in the Rule.

Rule Changes for 2020

1. RATING CERTIFICATES

Reason for change:

IRC rule 8.2 states “a boat racing under IRC shall hold a current valid IRC certificate”. There is an issue between South and North rule authorities in the first half of a year where a valid certificate is a different IRC year in South and North and therefore the boats from each region will not be rated on the same basis if they race together, for example at a regatta in China, where China and Hong Kong boats race together. China is a North IRC Rule Authority and will use 2020 certificates from January 2020, whilst Hong Kong is a South IRC Rule Authority and will use 2019 certificates until the end of May 2020.

It is therefore proposed to amend IRC rule 8.2 to make it clear the certificate shall be valid in the country in which the boat is racing and that it may not hold more than one current IRC rating certificate, except when a new certificate is issued to enable a boat to race in another country with a different certificate year end.

Amend IRC Rule 8.2 as follows:

8.2 Each A boat racing under IRC shall hold a current valid IRC certificate valid in the country in which it is racing. A boat shall not hold more than one valid IRC rating certificate at any time except as permitted by Rules 8.2.1 and 8.2.2.

1. 8.2.1  ......

2. 8.2.2  Issue of any new rating certificate automatically invalidates the old one except when a new certificate is issued to enable a boat to race in another country with a different certificate year end.

Effect: Make it clear that a boat shall hold a valid IRC certificate for the country in which it is racing.

2. RATING CERTIFICATES – SHORT HANDED

Reason for change: IRC rule 8.2.1 states “A boat may additionally hold a separate short- handed certificate” and goes on to state “The short-handed certificate will be clearly identified and shall only vary from the primary certificate in respect of, mainsail widths, headsail dimensions, single furling headsail allowance, the use of stored power, SPA, STL, spinnaker pole/bowsprit, moveable ballast and variable ballast.”

There is the possibility to reduce or increase the number of spinnakers on an IRC certificate and it is appropriate this can also be increased or reduced for an IRC short-handed certificate.

It is therefore proposed to amend IRC rule 8.2.1 to add number of spinnakers in the list of permitted changes for a short-handed certificate.

Amend IRC Rule 8.2.1 as follows:

8.2.1

A boat may additionally hold a separate short-handed certificate. This short-handed certificate shall be valid only for racing in classes, or divisions of classes, for no more than 2 crew, included in a Notice of Race. When specified in a Notice of Race, boats holding short- handed certificates, and racing in a short-handed class or division, may also be scored in the overall results of the race. The short-handed certificate will be clearly identified and shall only vary from the primary certificate in respect of, mainsail widths, headsail dimensions, single furling headsail allowance, the use of stored power, SPA, STL, spinnaker pole/bowsprit, number of spinnakers, moveable ballast and variable ballast. A boat holding a shorthanded certificate shall use that certificate for races for no more than 2 crew.

Effect: Allow spinnaker numbers to be varied from the primary certificate to the short-handed certificate.

3. DETACHABLE ITEMS

Reason for change: It has been noticed that IRC Rule 22.1.1 – Detachable items; includes a dispensation for bunk cushions for races requiring compliance for OSR Category 4 only. The rule does not mention the lower category of “inshore racing category”. It is proposed to add inshore racing category to IRC Rule 22.2.1.

Amend IRC Rule 22.2.1 as follows:

22.1 Detachable items
22.1.1 Detachable items (such as but not limited to bunk cushions) permitted by Rule 17 to be aboard for measurement shall be carried in their normal positions while racing. For races requiring compliance with OSR Category 4 or Inshore Racing Category only (or local equivalent), a Notice of Race may state that boats rated with bunk cushions on board may remove the bunk cushions. No compensating weight need be carried.

Effect: Make it clear that a Notice of Race for an OSR Category 4 or Inshore Racing Category may state that boats rated with bunk cushions may remove the cushions.

4. WHISKER POLES RULES AND DEFINITION

Reason for change: The use of poles set to leeward to act as struts for the sheeting of headsails is becoming more common, both with boats rated for headsail only & boats rated with spinnakers who can use them provided a spinnaker is not set. The current situation on the legality of this configuration can be summarised by:

IRC Rules do not govern or limit the use of a pole set to leeward to sheet headsails. The use of these poles is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing RRS 50.3. IRC Rule 21.3.2 states that “All sails shall be set and sheeted in accordance with RRS 50”.

The IRC Rating Authority is not in a position to issue an interpretation on the Racing Rule of Sailing and the use of these poles. An interpretation would only be given by World Sailing or an Event Jury following a protest. A World Sailing Q&A has been issued regarding the use of outriggers and whisker poles here: https://www.sailing.org/88944.php

Noting the above, the IRC Technical Committee has reviewed the IRC Rules to identify if the use of these poles should be restricted or rated in the future.

It is when using the RRS definition and operation criteria as a whisker pole that these poles are deemed to be within the rules, using the following criteria:

• The pole is attached to the foremost mast.
• The headsail is sheeted to the pole (There is no definition of “sheeted” but as these poles are not attached to the clew the understanding is that sheeted is the running of the sheet through the end of or a ferrule along the length of the pole)

Based on the lack of clarity provided by the Racing Rules & ERS it is proposed to amend the current IRC Rules to clarify that the current configurations are permitted with an impact to TCC.

Amend IRC Rule 21.3.5 as follows:

21.3.5 Boats will be rated according to whether they use a spinnaker pole, whisker pole and/or a bowsprit according to the following configurations:

(a) No spinnaker pole (spinnaker tacked on deck) or a centre line bowsprit only.

(b) Articulating bowsprit only.

 (c) Spinnaker pole(s) or whisker pole(s) either with or without a bowsprit. 

Definitions:

Amend the STL definition as follows:

The greatest horizontal distance from the forward face of the mast spar, ignoring any fittings and tracks, measured on or near the centreline of the boat, to any of the following:
- the extremity of the spinnaker pole, whisker pole or bowsprit, ignoring any outer limit marks;

Add IRC Definition of Whisker Pole as follows:

Whisker Pole - A spar attached to the mast spar to set a headsail. ERS F.1.4(d)(ii) does not apply.

Effect: Make it clear current configurations are permitted with an impact to TCC.

5. SAILCLOTH

Reason for change: IRC Rule 21.4 has little effect or impact on the rating and any features which increase sailing efficiency that is not rated through the rated dimensions is accounted for in rig factor. It is therefore proposed to delete IRC Rule 21.4 and add exotic sail materials to the increase in rig factor IRC Rule 21.2.2

Delete IRC Rule 21.4 as follows:

21.4 Sailcloth
21.4.1 Sailcloth containing exotic materials (at present none) will carry an additional rating tax. 21.4.2 Sailcloth containing exotic materials shall be declared on initial application for rating, revalidation, or when amending a boat's sail inventory.

21.4.3 Only specific sails containing exotic materials which have been declared and noted on a boat's certificate may be used while racing under IRC. 

21.4 deleted for 2020

Amend IRC Rule 21.2.2 as follows:

21.2.2

RF may be increased for: fractional, racing and lightweight rigs, high aspect ratio and efficient plan forms, wing and double luff sails, specialised sail stiffening, exotic sailcloth materials, large headboards/cranes, permanently bent or highly controllable spars, hi-tech rigging, exotic rig materials, advanced winch and deck gear arrangements, flush/efficient deck design, and any other feature which increases sailing efficiency that is not already rated through the rated dimensions.

Effect: Simplification of the IRC rule regarding exotic sail materials.

6. WATER BALLAST AND CANTING KEELS

Reason for change: The current IRC rule 22.3.1 states “A boat may request permission from the Rating Authority to use moveable ballast and/or variable ballast”. Hence an owner has no obligation to ask for this permission and therefore it is an unworkable sentence.
The Rating Authority is not a certification notified body and has no competence for calling into question a certification (CE certification for instance) or any other prescription coming from any Flag State.
Our proposition is to amend the Rule 22.3.1 basing this amendment on the competencies that the Rating Authority has the right to invoke.

New Rules 22.3.3 to 22.3.6
Considering the measurements required by the implementation of the new methodology as proposed by the technical committee, the Rule 22.3 is proposed to be amended in order to show clearly the difference between the 3 cases as follow:
- Boat with variable ballast only: the list angle and the maximum volume of water that can be carried on each side of the boat are required (New 22.3.3).

• -  Boat with moveable ballast only: the list angle is required (New 22.3.4).

• -  Boat with variable ballast and moveable ballast: the maximum volume of water that can be carried on each side of the boat and the list angle of the moveable ballast with empty variable ballast tanks are required (New 22.3.5).

  Amend IRC Rule 22.3 as follows:

Clean version of the proposition (included changes):

22.3 Moveable Ballast and Variable Ballast

1. 22.3.1  A boat may use moveable ballast and/or variable ballast and any such system shall be permanently installed and shall be declared to the Rating Authority. RRS 51, Moving Ballast, and RRS 52, Manual Power, are modified in respect ofmoveable ballast and/or variable ballast systems to the extent required by this class Rule.

2. 22.3.2  There is no limit to the list angle with ballast tanks fully filled on one side of the boat and/or with moveable ballast moved fully to one side.

3. 22.3.3  For boats with variable ballast only, the maximum list angle and the maximum volume of water, including plumbing, that can be carried on each side of the boat shall be declared.

4. 22.3.4  For boats with moveable ballast only, the maximum list angle in the boat weight condition (see Rule 17) shall be declared.

5. 22.3.5  For boats with variable ballast AND moveable ballast, the maximum volume of water, including plumbing, that the variable ballast may carry on each side of the boat and the maximum list angle specific to the moveable ballast in the boat weight condition (see Rule 17), with empty variable ballast tanks, shall be declared.

6. 22.3.6  A physical, mechanical limit shall be fitted to all moveable ballast system to prevent it being moved further than the position for the declared list angle. Such a system shall not rely on sensors or measurement to prevent the declared list angle being exceeded unintentionally.

7. 22.3.7  For boats with variable ballast systems that are declared as not used, the system shall be disabled.

Effect: To provide an effective rule framework to rate moveable and variable ballast.

7. BULB WEIGHT DEFINITION

Reason for change: There appears to be a trend in some classes to design an overly large keel fin foot to perhaps exploit the IRC bulb weight measurement and definition. It is therefore proposed to amend the IRC definition of bulb weight to include any part of the fin foot up to the bottom of the keel fin. It is proposed to introduce this rule in 2021 to give the designers, boats and industry appropriate notice. At IRC Congress in October 2019 it was agreed to implement this change from January 2020.

Amend the definition of Bulb Weight as follows:
Bulb Weight – the weight of the Bulb and any part of the Keel below the upper surface of thebulb (including connection plates, under-fin spacers and infills)

Effect: Rated bulb weight to include the weight of any fin foot that is inside the bulb.

IRC Rule Changes for 2019 (Full)

Also see https://ircrating.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/irc_rule_changes_2019.pdf

A word used as defined by ERS is printed in bold.

A word used as defined by IRC Definitions is printed underlined. 
Proposed deletions are printed in ITALICS

Effective Date: IRC Rule changes apply from 1st January 2019, except in countries with June-May validity, where changes apply from 1st June 2019. See Rule 8.12

1. RIG FACTOR

Reason for change:

Rule 21.2.2 and 21.2.3 describe how Rig Factor is applied. The rules uses the term “above/below unity” which is not easily understood and Rig Factor may be adjusted up or down for different rig features resulting in a Rig Factor above or below 1. e.g. a boat could have Rig Factor increased for exotic rig materials but decreased for in-mast furling and the result may not be above or below 1.

Amend:

 

Effect:

1. 21.2.2  RF above unity may be applied may be increased for: fractional, racing and lightweight rigs, high aspect ratio and efficient plan forms, wing and double luff sails, specialised sail stiffening, large headboards/cranes, permanently bent or highly controllable spars, hi-tech rigging, exotic rig materials, advanced winch and deck gear arrangements, flush/efficient deck design, and any other feature which increases sailing efficiency that is not already rated through the rated dimensions.

2. 21.2.3  RF below unity may be applied to may be decreased for: less efficient rigs and sail plans, cruising furling sails, motor sailers with large deck houses, cruisers with weight/windage aloft or with basic deck gear only, or any other feature which reduces sailing efficiency that is not already rated through the rated dimensions.

   Better clarity and reflects current rating practises.

   2. P, PY DEFINITION AND RULE

   Reason for change: Following discussions with owners & sailmakers during sail measurement it has been identified that consideration could be given

   to reviewing the IRC Definitions of P, PY and upper limit mark. The current rule for the position of the mainsail relies on ERS B.1.1 which does not take into account the situation when a mast may not have a mast upper limit mark. In addition the current definition of P and PY would be clearer using ERS upper point in addition to ERS upper limit mark to define the measurement point.

   Add new rule:
   21.5.3 The highest visible point of a mainsail, mizzen or foremast sail projectedat 90° to the mast spar, shall be set below the upper point, or in the absence of an upper limit mark, below the top of highest sheave used for the halyard.

   Amended definition of P:

   The distance between the mainsail (in the case of a schooner, the foremast sail) upper point, and the top of the boom when set at right angles to the mast, or the mainsail tack point whichever is lower, on the mainmast (in the case of a schooner, the foremast). The upper limit mark shall be permanently marked by a 25mm band of contrasting colour. If there is no upper limit mark the upper measurement point shall be taken as the top of the highest sheave used for the halyard. In the case of a gaff rig, the upper measurement point is the peak point of the mainsail or the head point of the topsail if on board.

   Amended definition of PY:
   

   The distance between the mizzen (in the case of a schooner, the mainmast sail) upper point, and the top of the boom when set at right angles to the mast, or the mizzen tack point whichever is lower, on the mizzenmast (in the case of a schooner, the mainmast). The upper limit mark shall be permanently marked by a 25mm band of contrasting colour. If there is no upper limit mark the upper measurement point shall be taken as the top of the highest sheave used for the halyard.

   Effect: Make it clearer for mainsail and mizzen and position and measurement of P and PY.

   3. E, EY DEFINITION AND RULE

   Reason for change: Following discussions with owners & sailmakers during sail measurement it has been identified that consideration could be givento reviewing the IRC Definitions of E and outer limit mark. The current rule for the position of the mainsail relies on ERS B.1.3 which does not take into account the situation when a boom may not have a boom outer limit mark. In addition the current definition of E and EY would be clearer using ERS outer point distance in addition to ERS outer limit mark to define the measurement point.

   Add new rule:
   21.5.4 The aftmost visible point of the mainsail, mizzen or foremast sailprojected at 90° to the boom spar, shall be set forward of the outer point, or in the absence of a boom outer limit mark, forward of the aft end of the boom.

   Amended definition of E:

   The outer point distance of a mainsail (or in the case of a schooner, a foremast sail). The outer limit mark shall be permanently marked by a 25mm band of contrasting colour. If there is no outer limit mark the outer measurement point shall be taken to the aft end of the boom. For the measurement of outer point distance, ERS H.4.2 shall not apply. Fittings, local curvature, local cutaway and any increase in the fore/aft dimension of a sail track and/or sail track support, shall be ignored.

   Amended definition of EY:
   The outer point distance of a mizzen (or in the case of a schooner, a mainsail). The outer limit mark shall be permanently marked by a 25mm band of contrasting colour. If there is no outer limit mark the outer measurement point shall be taken to the aft end of the boom.

   Effect: Make it clearer for mainsail position and measurement of E and EY

   4. NUMBER SPINNAKERS – IRC RULE 21.6.1

   Reason for change:

   Currently IRC Rule 21.6.1 describes how boats will be rated for carrying more than three spinnakers on board. The rule does not explicitly state that they should not carry more spinnakers than declared on their certificate. In addition, whilst three spinnakers is generally considered to be a minimum number for boats competitively racing, it does not consider that a significant number of club level boats only use 1 or 2 spinnakers. Feedback from the owners of these boats shows that they feel at a disadvantage as they have a reduced sail inventory and are not able to compete. To encourage boats within this sector of the fleet it is proposed to allow boats to declare that they will carry a number of spinnakers less than 3. This will open up the possibility for the technical committee to consider a rating decrease for either 1 or 2 spinnakers on that basis.

   Amend the rule 21.6.1 as follows:

   Boats shall not carry on board more than the number of spinnakers on their IRC certificate while racing.

   Effect: Make it clear the maximum number of spinnakers that shall be on board while racing. Open up the possibility to consider a rating decrease for less than 3 spinnakers.

   5. FURLING HEADSAIL – RULE 21.8.1(c)

   Reason for change: IRC rule 21.8.1(c) defines how a furling headsail is used. In the rule restricting the use of headsail to be not less than 95% of HSA there is

   a permissive “may” when the rule actually requires a restrictive “shall”. Amend Rule 21.8.1(c) as follows:

   21.8.1(c) Only a single headsail shall be used while racing, whose HSA shall not be less than 95% of rated HSA except that alternatively a storm jib (see Appendix 1) may be used.

   Effect: Make it clear that using a furling headsail of not less than 95% of HSA is a requirement.

   6. STL DEFINITION

   Reason for change:

   IRC definition STL addresses horizontal spinnaker tack point distance from the mast. The current rule does not make it clear that the spinnaker pole track and any fittings to the mast should be ignored in the measurement of STL. The current rule does not make it clear that bowsprit outer limit marks should be ignored in the measurement of STL.

   It is therefore proposed to amend IRC definition STL to make it clear that fittings on the mast and bowsprit outer limit marks are ignored when measuring STL.

   Amend STL definition as follows:

   STL The greatest horizontal distance from the forward face of the mast spar, ignoring any fittings and tracks, measured on or near the centreline of the boat, to any of the following:
   - the extremity of the spinnaker pole, whisker pole or bowsprit, ignoring any outer limit marks;

   - the spinnaker tack point on deck projected vertically as necessary;
   - if a headsail may be tacked forward of the forestay, the headsail tack point on deck projected vertically as necessary or to the extremity of the bowsprit.

   Effect: Make it clear that spinnaker pole track and any fittings at the mast are ignored when measuring STL.

   Make it clear that bowsprit outer limit marks are ignored when measuring STL

   7. FORESTAY ADJUSTMENT – IRC RULE 21.1.6(b)

   ADDED AFTER IRC CONGRESS FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIONS AT THE MEETING

   Reason for change: Following representations at the IRC Congress meetings there is a request to remove the declaration of a forestay “not adjusted while

   racing” which results in no impact to TCC. This is on an understanding and perception that owners are using the adjustable forestay despite the declaration. The proposal is that IRC should rate all boats with systems to adjust the forestay.

   New Rule 21.1.6(b):

   A boat fitted with or carrying on board systems to adjust the forestay while racing shall declare this to the Rating Authority. This includes a system with the power system disconnected or removed from the boat. The boat may then adjust the forestay while racing, but shall not detach the forestay. Locked conventional turnbuckles that are not adjusted while racing need not be declared.

   A boat fitted with or carrying on board systems, to adjust the mast foot while racing shall declare this to the Rating Authority. Unless the boat declares that such systems will not be used while racing, the boat may then adjust the mast foot vertically and/or longitudinally while racing.

   Effect: Require a boat to declare if it has an adjustable forestay and rate it on the basis that it is used while racing.

   NOTE: Following the IRC Congress meeting directive this wording has been agreed after the meeting for implementation in the IRC Rule 2019.

    

IRC Rule Changes for 2018 (Full

Download the full rule changes here in pdf format.

2018 Rule Changes (.pdf)