Foiling & Rule 52
Somebody has found Rule 52 in the ISAF rules which could have some
interesting implications for the current generation of Hydrofoil
Moths.
The rule states: “A boat’s standing rigging, running rigging, spars
and movable hull appendages shall be adjusted and operated only by
manual power.”
The current foilers use a automatic height control system which
adjusts the angle of the main lifting foil through a mechanical
arrangement.
The Australian Measurer is asking for confirmation from the
Yachting Australia technical guru, and IMCA is looking for
confirmation from ISAF. It will be interesting to see what the
outcome is.
Handicapping the automatic height control system will be setback
for the foilers, but probably will only postpone the
inevitable…
