Changes since 2008 are shown in bold
Amendment 4.11.09 to Rule 11.8.
1. AUTHORITY
1.1. These Rules are promulgated by authority of the Committee of the Couta Boat Association Inc (CBA) formerly known as Couta Boat Club Inc pursuant to Rules 37 and 39 of the rules of the CBA and shall have effect from the 1st August 2009. Hereafter they shall be known as 'the Rules'.
1.2. In order to qualify to enter sailing events for Couta Boats a vessel must comply with the Rules and be on the CBA Race Register.
1.3. In order to qualify to enter sailing events for Couta Boats and to use a C number the vessel must be a current financial member of the CBA.
1.4. By submitting a racing entry, owners or their representatives declare that the vessel and its equipment will be available for inspection by the Class Measurer or relevant race administrators and that non-compliance with these Rules may result in a refusal of the race organising authority to accept a race entry or result.
1.5. The CBA Class Measurer will provide the Committee with measurements for each boat intending to race to be entered in a Racing Register. The Register will include those measurements necessary to determine a boat's rig dimensions and maximum sail area determined in accordance with these Rules.
2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
2.1. The intention of the Rules is to protect the integrity of the traditional Queenscliff Couta Boat which evolved for fishing around the Victorian coast sometime before 1900 and up to 1930.
2.2. To promote fair racing between restored older boats and new boats.
2.3. To promote good seamanship, safe and competent handling of Couta Boats.
2.4. To assist and promote the organisation of sailing events for Couta Boats in the nature of early regattas.
2.5. The Couta Boat is a non-developmental class. Boats must not be built and equipped beyond the scope of the Rules.
3. SPECIAL RULE
3.1. When considering anything in connection with a Couta Boat hull, sails, rig or equipment which is not specifically covered by the Rules it shall be considered illegal unless prior permission has been sought and a determination made by the Committee of the CBA. There shall be no exceptions.
3.2. If an interpretation or clarification of these Class Rules is required a ruling shall be sought from the Committee prior to proceeding. Special attention is drawn to Rule 2.5.
3.3. Under certain sailing conditions, at the race venue, a Notice to Competitors may be posted with code flag L, up to 2 hours prior to the scheduled race start time. This Notice will indicate specific sail usage and/or the mandatory wearing of PFD's.
4. REGISTER
4.1. There shall be two Registers maintained by the CBA, namely the Racing Register and the Supplementary Register. At the discretion of the CBA Committee, the Supplementary Register is also open to applications from traditional wooden boats other than Couta Boats.
4.2. The Registry Officer shall be the Committee's designated appointee whose duties are to maintain the Register and to allocate 'C' numbers.
4.3. The approval or otherwise of new craft and the consideration of applications for dispensation of older craft under these Rules shall be the responsibility of the CBA Committee. The Committee reserves the right to determine the acceptability of any boat after due consideration of its compliance with current Couta Boat Class Rules.
4.4. Application for inclusion on the Racing Register or Supplementary Register shall be made by financial members of the CBA in writing to the Registry Officer stating hull and rig dimensions, sail number, builder, designer, year built and all other relevant data. Within 28 days of an application the Registry Officer shall grant inclusion, reject the application or request additional information in support of the application.
4.5. Boats accepted onto either Register will be issued a "C" number. The issue and ongoing use of this number is contingent on the boat owner remaining a fully paid member of the CBA.
5. ELIGIBILITY - Racing Register
5.1. Boats built after the incorporation of the Couta Boat Club (CBC, 2nd November 1983) shall conform to the Rules. There shall be no dispensation. Special attention is drawn to Rules 5.5. and 7.13.
5.2. Dispensation may be applied for, to register restored or older sailing fishing boats built prior to CBC incorporation that remain in original format (i.e. beam, length and draft have never been altered) but do not comply with the Rules.
5.3. Dispensation may be applied for, to register boats originally built for fishing under sail, including Port Phillip or Westernport type double ended net boats.
5.4. Dispensation may be applied for, to register Couta Boat types, originally built for pleasure use.
5.5. Specifications for proposed new craft must be submitted to the Committee for approval prior to the commencement of building. This includes the lines plan and a list of proposed timbers. Approval applies to hull design and construction and is subject to the completed hull form and dimensions conforming to the approved plans. Rigging (ie spars and sails) must comply with the current Rules.
5.6. Traditional wooden craft other than Couta Boats are encouraged to be on the CBA Supplementary Register; however, this does not render them eligible to participate in racing events for Couta Boats. The only boats eligible to participate in events are those on the Racing Register.
6. DISPENSATION - From the rules of the Racing Register
6.1. Requests for dispensation shall be made in writing to the Committee, stating all hull and rig dimensions, builder, year built and all other relevant and pertinent data together with the reasoning behind the request (email cba@coutaboatclub.com.au).
6.2. Dispensation may be granted or withheld or granted with conditions (including but not limited to a condition that the non-compliance be rectified within a particular time). On a breakage or replacement of equipment, dispensation may be granted at the discretion of the Committee.
6.3. Any dispensation must be made by a majority of members of the CBA Committee and in writing.
7. HULL FORM
Definitions
7.1. Jib Boom: the Bowsprit
7.2. Yard: the Gaff
7.3. Gunwale: the inner Gunwale
7.4. Carlin: timber member attached to the short side deck beams
7.5. Chafing Batten: rubbing strip on outside of the planking
7.6. Platforms: the internal floor sometimes called the stern sheets or forward sheets
Dimensions
7.7. Hull length overall (LOA): The distance from the outside of the stem to the outside of the transom measured down the centre of the boat.
7.8. The length overall of hull measurement in feet to be rounded up to the next foot if greater than 6" and rounded down if 6" or less. For example: 26'6" shall be 26'0", 26'7" shall be 27'0".
7.9. The hull of an existing boat must not be lengthened.
7.10. Maximum Beam: Widest part of boat excluding chafing battens.
7.11. Maximum Draft: Measurement between deepest part of keel and load waterline.
7.12. Defining Measurements:
|
Length |
Beam |
Draft |
|
30' |
10'6" - 11'10" |
3'6" - 4'0" |
|
28' |
10'0" - 11'4" |
3'3" - 3'9" |
|
26' |
9'3" - 10'6" |
3'0" - 3'6" |
|
24' |
8'6" - 9'8" |
2'8" - 3'0" |
|
22' |
8'0" - 9'4" |
2'4" - 2'10" |
|
20' |
7'6" - 8'6" |
2'0" - 2'7" |
Design Rules
7.13. Additional design rules to specify the design and building of future Queenscliff-type Couta Boats shall apply to Couta Boats of all hull lengths and shall be scaled accordingly. Existing Couta Boats (from a structural view point) will be 'grandfathered in'. However, an existing non-compliant boat may be considered for an additional handicap penalty.
7.14. Design waterline ¼ beam buttock angle (DW1/4B) of a 26' Couta Boat is to be no less than 9 degrees. This measurement is taken from the lines plan prior to construction of the vessel and will be measured from the intersection with the midship station (generally the widest part of the hull measured at deck level) in a straight line through to the intersection with the transom.
7.15. Minimum depth of forefoot for a 26' Couta Boat: The distance from the Design Waterline (DWL) to the BOTTOM of the keel is to be no less than 12" (or 1 foot). This measurement is obtained from the lines plan prior to construction of the vessel. An imaginary intersection is created by drawing a line perpendicular to the DWL at its intersection with the leading edge of the stem, and another line along the bottom keel which must pass through a point which is at 17% of the overall length of the hull taken from the stem and the intersection of the keel/stem joint. The resulting measurement is considered to be the 'depth of forefoot measurement".
7.16. Minimum DWL beam for a 26' Couta Boat is to be no less than 8'2". This measurement is taken from the lines plan prior to construction of the vessel. The DWL beam is at the widest part of the hull measured at deck level.
Centre plate case
7.17. Centre plate case slot shall not be longer than one third of length of the keel timber and must not exceed 8 feet for a 26' Couta Boat.
7.18. The centre plate shall be pivoted on a king bolt. The travel down of the centre plate shall not be greater than the length of the attached cable or chain with the lifting tackle in place attached to the forward centre plate case stop.
7.19. Centre plate shall be steel with a maximum thickness of ½" prior to galvanising or painting.
7.20. No artificial add-ons are permitted to be attached or fastened to the centre plate.
7.21. The centre plate lifting tackle shall comprise two only wooden blocks, one attached to the forward end of the centre plate case stop, the other block attached to the single purchase cable or chain strop.
Coamings
7.22. The coaming shall be open, round and to stand a minimum of 3¼" above deck.
7.23. The minimum width between gunwale and carlin at first main deck beam forward shall be:
|
Length of Boat |
Minimum |
|
30' |
2'0" |
|
28' |
2'0" |
|
26' |
1'6" |
|
24' |
1'6" |
|
22' |
1'4" |
|
20' |
1'4" |
7.24. The minimum width between gunwale and carlin at the stern deck beam shall be 6".
7.25. There shall be one only deck beam in the stern of the boat situated 12" in from the transom.
7.26. The stern post and transom shall have a negative rake from the top of the transom to the base of the keel of a minimum of 5" to a maximum of 10".
8. HULL CONSTRUCTION
8.1. There shall be no fibreglass, composite or resin based material affixed to any part of a Couta Boat hull.
8.2. The hull planking shall be wooden, plank on edge or clinker, with a minimum dressed planking thickness of ¾", and must not exceed the end of the transom by more than 1 inch.
8.3. The frames (ribbing) shall be steam bent with not greater spacing from centre to centre than 5" at the keel. Frame width shall not be less than 1¾", the thickness shall not be less than ¾" for a 26' Couta Boat. Boats of other sizes should be referred to the Committee.
8.4. The keel shall be one piece of recognized boat grade hardwood with a spring not greater than 8".
8.5. The keel for a 24' to 30' boats shall not be less than 4" thick.
8.6. The keel for a 21' to 23' boats shall not be less than 3½" thick.
8.7. The keel for a boat 20' and less shall not be less than 3" thick.
8.8. The stem and the stern post shall each be constructed of one piece of timber.
8.9. Deck beams shall not be spaced greater than 14" centre to centre.
8.10. Platforms shall be fitted throughout the interior of the boat and shall be fitted with drain holes around the perimeter to facilitate draining of water from the cockpit to bilge.
8.11. Deck shall be made of solid dressed wood, planked with a minimum core thickness of ¾". Decks may be traditional t & g, then painted.
8.12. Alternative deck construction may be solid dressed wood, laid on marine plywood with a core thickness not less than ¾".
8.13. The deck planking shall not be greater than 4" wide and if laid, payed with a flexible marine sealant.
8.14. The fastenings throughout the boat shall be in accordance with general Couta Boat building principles. If any other mode of fastening is contemplated the question of its acceptability shall be sought from the Committee under Rule 3.2.
8.15. Boats shall be built in such a manner as to be seaworthy and to enable them to pass a comprehensive independent marine survey.
8.16. Boats that are deemed to vary from the submitted line plans following construction will be re-measured and may be rejected.
9. RIG DEFINITIONS
9.1. The sail and deck layout plans are incorporated into the Rules and illustrate a typical layout for a 26' Couta Boat.
9.2. The mainsail may be gaff or lug rigged.
9.3. Where lug rig is used, deficiency in mast height may be added to the yard length.
9.4. Mast height above the deck to the top of the mast cap shall be no greater than the LOA (as defined by Rule 7.7) excluding mast truck and attachments.
9.5. The gaff angle of the mainsail is to be measured from a straight line between peak and throat and the extension of a straight line from the tack to the throat and shall be between 15° and 20° (on relaxed sail).
9.6. Rig dimensions - shall not exceed the following:
|
Length of boat |
Mainsail luff on mast |
Forward face of jib boom cap to forward face of stem
(used with rule 12.16. to define 'J') |
|
30' |
19'0" |
8'6" |
|
28' |
18'0" |
8'0" |
|
26' |
16'7" |
7'6" |
|
24' |
15'6" |
7'0" |
|
22' |
14'0" |
6'6" |
|
20' |
13'6" |
6'0" |
9.7 Existing non-compliant rigs (i.e. sails and spars) will not be accepted without written approval by the CBA.
10. SPARS
10.1. Spars, including the whisker pole, shall be wood.
10.2. Spars shall be solid. No hollow spars are permitted.
10.3. A void in the mast is only permitted for provision of power to a mast head light. Such a void is absolutely limited to a ¾" diameter. Abuse of this specification in new spars will result in the spar being deemed illegal.
10.4. If laminated, laminations shall be of rectangular sections of the same species of timber (specifically not triangular or trapezoid sections or compositions of different timber types) with a maximum of 9 staves.
10.5 Masts must have a clear finish but can be partially painted.
10.6. Localised reinforcement to limit wear is permitted on the mast where the gaff rests while in sailing position.
11. RIGGING
11.1 The mast shall be stepped through the deck athwartships and forward of the coaming. The distance between the outside of the stem post and the front of the mast shall not be less than 30% nor greater than 34% of the boat's LOA as determined in accordance with Rule 7.7. Mast positions must not be changed without the prior approval of the CBA.
11.2. The jib boom out haul shall be a single purchase traditional running ring type capable of fore and aft travel controlled from the fore deck.
11.3. Blocks to be wooden cheeked type are Peak, Throat, Jib, Main Sheet (Boom and Hawse), and Centre Plate Case tackle.
11.4. A maximum of four to one Handy Billy may be fitted to the fixed end of the jib sheet providing it is on a 'cam cleat' type block.
11.5. Single ratchet blocks are permitted on the jib sheets. (See 15.3.)
11.6. Deck track is allowable as follows: a total of 5'0" of track per side.
11.7. Stays shall support the mast as follows:
(a) a single forestay from the mast cap to the jibboom cap;
(b) a single stay from each side of the masthead cap (capstay) running to a chain plate mounted on the planking (either inboard or outboard) at a point aft of the mast;
(c) a single lower stay running each side of the mast from cleats fixed to the mast at a point above the throat running to a chain plate mounted on the planking (either inboard or outboard) at a point forward of the capstay.
Double or twin capstays, struts, jumpers, spreaders or backstays (either fixed or running) are not permitted, except that lug rigged boats may have 2 capstays fixed on each side.
11.8. Stays shall have thimbles and be fitted with rope lanyards. Forestays only may be directly shackled. No roll swages or turnbuckles shall be permitted.
11.9. Winches shall not be permitted on or in any part of the boat.
11.10. Specific reefing tackle shall be on board, be in working condition and ready for use at all times.
11.11. Main sheet shall have a maximum purchase of five to one with no fine tunes.
11.12. Boom vangs and preventers of any description shall not be permitted.
11.13. Halyards shall be all standard polyester rope. No Kevlar, Spectra or pre-stretched rope shall be permitted. Attention is drawn to Special Rule 3.1. and 3.2.
11.14. Halyards shall not be attached to handy billies.
11.15. The mainsail traveller system shall not be led forward and the purchase shall not exceed four to one. The traveller shall be a bronze ring.
11.16. Any increase in a boat's maximum sail area or rig as a result of alterations or modifications to its mast position, spars, LOA or LWL is not permitted.
12. SAILS
12.1. The mainsail shall remain bent on to the boom throughout the racing season and may only be taken off for normal repair or maintenance.
12.2 The mainsail shall be loose-footed and bent on to the spars with cord lashings. Velcro is not permitted on the gaff.
12.3. Mainsail - tack puller (Handy Billy / Cunningham) is not permitted.
12.4. Mainsail clew on a 26'6'' boat when fully stretched shall not extend greater than 2'0" beyond the transom when the boom is lying along the centre line of the boat.
12.5. Mainsail luff along the mast shall be in accordance with the measurements set out in the table in Rule 9.6.
12.6. Mainsail gaff luff shall be no longer than the distance between the aft face of the mast and the aft face of the transom.
12.7. The tack angle of the mainsail measured from a straight line between the throat and tack and clew and tack shall be a maximum of 87°.
12.8. Mainsail battens shall be solid, shall not exceed a total of four, be equally spaced along the leech and each shall not exceed 20% of the length of the foot of the sail. On 26' boats, the maximum roach at the battens from the top shall be 12", 13", 11" and 7".
12.9. Mainsail roach for a 26' Couta Boat is defined on the sail plan. For larger or smaller vessels the roach shall be defined as a % of the batten size.
12.10. Mainsail shall have two reefs, with a minimum 2'6'' depth and adequately spaced parallel reefing cringles.
12.11 Mainsail - the maximum head width measured at right angle to the luff on the yard shall be 3 inches.
12.12. Sail draft stripes shall not be permitted.
12.13. Sail windows shall not be permitted.
12.14. Spinnakers or gennakers shall not be permitted.
12.15. Mainsail and jib foot rounds. A maximum of 3% of the overall foot length is permitted.
12.16. Jib - maximum LP (Luff perpendicular = shortest distance from clew to luff). Expressed as a % of J: No.1 -100%; No.2 - 85%; No.3 - 70%.
12.17. Jib – battens are not permitted.
12.18. The maximum 'J' measurement shall measure from the forward face of the mast to the forward face of the stem + the measurement in table 9.6.
12.19. Jibs - One only No.1 shall be used (minimum cloth weight is 4.9 oz. US). The next size jib shall be a minimum of 15% smaller. No. 1 'heavy' and No.1 'light' are not permitted.
12.20. Jib - The maximum head width measured at right angles to the luff shall be 2½ inches.
12.21. Jib - internal clew blocks are not permitted.
12.22. Jib - Spitfire shall be carried on board at all times. It shall measure no greater along the foot than the jib boom length over the bow, and be capable of being set and sheeted one third of the distance along the jib boom as well as on the stem.
12.23. At any one time there shall be a maximum of two only sails set. When changing head sails, the jib to be replaced shall be dropped prior to hoisting the replacement head sail.
12.24. Sails shall be constructed from woven Dacron or Polyester, and may include resin impregnated or yarn tempered cloth. Laminated fabrics or exotics such as Kevlar, Mylar, Carbon fibre and Spectra are not permitted. Attention is drawn to Special Rule 3.1 and 3.2.
12.25 MAXIMUM SAIL AREA
Consistent with the purposes in Section 2 above (Rules 2.1 – 2.5), the Committee will investigate whether rig dimensions (including sail areas) are appropriate for each boat's displacement. In the meantime and for the 2009-10 racing season, these Rules prescribe a maximum total sail area for each boat based upon a standard boat equivalent. The 26' standard boat equivalent is deemed to have a median LOA of 26'6'' with a nominal mast position at 32% and the total maximum sail area of a boat which is a 26' standard boat equivalent must not exceed 600 square feet. For measurement purposes, the measured sail area excludes sail curves such as rounds and roaches.
If the introduction of this Rule results in a boat currently using sails which have a greater total maximum sail area than is permitted under the Rules, the boat owner may apply to the Committee for dispensation under Rule 6.1., which the Committee in its sole discretion may grant if a boat has historically carried that sail area and the circumstances are considered reasonable.
13. BALLASTING
13.1. External ballast shall not be permitted.
13.2. Internal specially moulded ballast shall not be permitted.
13.3. A boat must carry sufficient ballast so that it floats evenly on its design waterline.
13.4. It is the responsibility of owners/skippers racing a boat to ensure that it is seaworthy in all sea conditions.
13.5. A boat must not race with less ballast than was in place at the start of the season. Ballast shall not be removed during a race, and shall be "permanently installed" in accordance with AYF handbook definitions.
13.6. Whilst racing, crews are not permitted to sit on the windward rail facing outward with legs overboard.
14. MISCELLANEOUS
14.1. Engines shall be fitted to all boats, maintained in working order and be of a size sufficient to propel a boat at "hull" speed in calm conditions.
14.2. Materials such as Kevlar, Mylar, Spectra or Carbon Fibre shall not be permitted in halyards, sheets, lanyards, hull and spar construction. When considering "materials" attention should be drawn to Special Rules 3.1 and 3.2.
14.3. When racing in Couta Boat Races, electronic instrumentation of any kind to aid sailing shall not be permitted. Masthead wind indicators shall not be permitted, excepting for wool or ribbon or a soft burgee. A compass shall not include electronic tacking data. However, a boat may carry a handheld VHF radio while racing which may be used for communication with the race committee or the start boat relating to course changes, postponements, cancellations, retirements, recalls and the like. No other communication until the end of the last race of the day is permitted. The radio may be used at any time to notify emergencies or to request assistance.
15. SAFETY
15.1. Boats shall be fitted with a reliable instant release system on both the mainsail and head sail sheets. Both instant release systems shall be able to be readily released with the sheets under load.
15.2. The main sheet system shall comprise a ratchet block attached to a swivel base with permanently upstanding cam-cleat fitted for upward release. This system shall be securely fixed to the vessel.
15.3. The Jib sheet system may comprise a single ratchet block on each side at the final point of deflection before the cam cleat. This block may be fixed to the deck.
15.4. Boats shall carry safety equipment as prescribed in Yachting Australia (YA) Racing Rules of Sailing and applicable YA Special Regulations, Category 7.
15.5. Boats shall carry the prescribed equipment laid down by the relevant state governing authority (in Victoria the Marine Act 1988; see www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au). Equipment shall include but is not limited to:
15.6. Personal flotation devices (PFD). It is the Skipper's responsibility that a PFD for each person be provided and kept in an accessible position.
15.7. PFD's be donned when required by the state governing authority.
15.8. Appropriate PFD's for children be worn.
15.9. Two bilge pumps (manual and automatic) shall be fitted and maintained at all times in working order as follows.
15.10. Manual pump permanently fitted to aft end of plate case emptying into the plate case.
15.11. Automatic bilge pump with a capacity of 1500 gal/h minimum, expel water through the transom.
15.12. Two buckets with lanyards.
15.13. Flares (inshore kit) and Fire Extinguisher (current).
15.14. First Aid Kit and Waterproof Torch with spare batteries.
15.15. Prescribed ground tackle including chain and rope hank. In addition a grapnel reef anchors with a separate hank of 200' (60 meters).
15.16. Hull and equipment identification, name & number on hull, number on all buoyant equipment
15.17. YA Rules Handbook.
16. CBA BURGEE
16.1. All boats on the Register are encouraged to fly the CBA burgee.
| 
