Class40 Rules 2021
Class40 Rules 2021
Class40 Rules 2021
Index 2
Fundamental Rules 3
Chapter 2 – Dimensions 9
200 – Dimensions 9
201 – Measurement trim 9
202 – Hull length (Lh) 9
203 – Maximum beam (Bmax) 9
204 – Maximum draft (Tmax) 10
205 – Average freeboard 10
206 – Displacement 11
207 - Ballast 11
208 – Mast (Highest point) 12
209 – Boom and mainsheet traveller track 12
210 – Bowsprit 12
211 – Spinnaker pole 13
212 – Sails 13
213 – Geometry of the hull and bow volume 15
214 – Geometry of the deck 15
Chapter 3 – Safety 16
300 – Stability 16
301 – Displacement conformity 16
302 – 90° test 17
303 – Watertight bulkheads 18
304 – Combined volume of the deck camber and the coachroof 18
305 – Buoyancy volumes 18
306 – Propulsion 19
309 – Lifelines 19
These rules apply to monohull yachts with the aim of racing offshore in real time.
A monohull is a boat with a single flotation plane at rest or under sail, whose hull depth in any transversal section
shall not decrease towards the centreline.
The current World Sailing (RRS, ERS and OSR) rules apply.
The Rules for Class 40 Monohulls are the open type set out in Paragraph C.2.3 of the ERS (Equipment Rules of
Sailing), meaning that anything that is not explicitly forbidden, limited or imposed, is permitted.
The Class40 association was formed with the aim of creating a fleet of simple, seaworthy, performance-oriented,
ocean-racing yachts, and where possible within a limited budget. These Class Rules aim to fulfil this mission, but no
text can anticipate the capacity of human intelligence to exploit the meaning of words in a manner not in line with
the original aim of these Rules.
For this reason, it is highly recommended that any questions on the interpretation of these Rules which might be
contrary to the spirit of the Class be put first to the Executive Committee, to avoid the risk of being considered
outside the Rules.
Prior to each new build, detailed draft drawings including the structural elements and materials to be used shall be
submitted to the Class Measurer. The layout and distribution of corrector weights must feature in the draft
drawings. The submission of these drawings is a requirement for the allocation of a Class40 number.
The safety of the boat and its crew is the inalienable responsibility of the owner, or his/her skipper, who must ensure
that the yacht is in perfect condition, thoroughly seaworthy, and that it is crewed by an experienced crew, who have
undergone the appropriate training and are physically capable of dealing with bad weather.
The class must respect the conditions of the Advertising Code in Category C of the World Sailing Regulations (Chapter
IV; 20).
The results of the 90º test and the weight of boats can be consulted at the class secretariat.
All boats without exception may be the subject of random scrutineering (where a boat does not conform, the
measurement expenses shall be paid by the person responsible for that boat).
Any modification having a bearing on the Rules shall be brought to the attention of the Class Measurer and of the
Class secretariat.
In the event of conflict between the OSR and the NF EN ISO 12217 standard, the latter will prevail.
These rules are modified as follows:
ISO 12217-2 :
6.3.2 “Alternative requirement for categories A & B” does not apply. See §301 of these rules.
OSR Cat 1:
3.03.2 b) Certification by a notified body does not apply.
3.04 Stability index does not apply
3.08.03 ”Companionway” does not apply, replaced by the restrictions noted in the ISO 12217-2
standard: §6.2.2.2
3.14 “Pulpits, Stanchions, Lifelines”, modified, see §402 of these rules.
3.19.1 “Bunks”, modified, see §104 of these rules.
3.21.1 “Drinking water”, see §104 of these rules.
4.01.2 “Sail letters & numbers”. As defined in Chapter 3 of the Appendix to Class Rules
4.26.2a “Heavy-weather jib”. Modified, see §212.04 of these rules.
Appendix H “Organisation of Oceanic Races”. Does not apply.
RRS:
§ 50.4 “Headsails”, modified. See §212.03.01 of these rules.
§ 51. “Movable ballast”. Does not apply.
101. APPENDAGES
The external appendages are limited to a single fixed keel when sailing and a maximum of two movable appendages.
For example, a trimtab, interceptor or flap are considered to be moving appendages.
The hull must be symmetrical in the vertical plane, and the keel must be located and remain in the same vertical
plane of symmetry as the hull.
The attachment points of the rudder on the hull must be fixed and must remain in place.
The set of points of the leading and trailing edges of the rudder must be in the same plane.
Only one configuration of appendages is permitted per full 12 month period.
No modification to the keel position is permitted within a period of less than 12 full months.
Note: daggerboards are forbidden. Foils, that is to say any appendage designed to generate a vertical force, are
forbidden.
102. RIGGING
All systems for adjusting the position of the mast base, including a mast jack pump, are forbidden while racing.
103. SAILS
103.02.02 Solent
Triangular sail flown from the fixed forestay. The solent cannot be manufactured with a structural luff.
- A minimum of 4 permanently installed solid berths (articulating berths not included) which measure a minimum of
1.8m x 0.5m in size;*
- A minimum of two portlights in the coachroof providing lateral visibility, the area of visibility measuring a minimum
combined area of 0.2m2, not including the companionway hatch, on a vertical plane at 0° of heel;
- Fixed water tanks containing a combined minimum of 40l. These tanks shall be situated at less than 500 mm from
the centreline of the boat.
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Tanks are not permitted in the keel fin (dispensation for boats launched prior to the 1 of January 2012).
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Any boat designed after the 1 of January 2010 must provide a letter to Class40 certifying that parts 5, 8 and 9 of ISO
12215 have been respected, as defined in OSR 3.03
106. HULL
The boat must be a monohull. The boat at rest with zero heel and in light configuration must be symmetric with
respect to its vertical median plane.
See Appendix for interpretation.
200. DIMENSIONS
The dimensions that must be measured in compliance with the NF EN ISO 8666 standard are indicated by the name
EN/ISO 8666 followed by the relevant chapter.
Measurement trim for measuring purposes is the Light Craft Condition LCC (in conformity with 6.3 of the EN ISO
8666 standard and 3.5.1 of the EN ISO12217-2 standard) excluding anchoring equipment (anchor, chain and warp)
and the loose external equipment (fenders, warps, mooring lines), sails, liferaft and batteries (except for the
dedicated engine starting battery (OSR 3.28.3) measuring a maximum capacity of 60 Ah at 12 volts).*
Fixed internal fittings, be they for comfort or safety, such as fridges, watermakers, plumbing or other equipment
which are included when the boat is weighed, shall not be removable and shall be listed on the measurement
certificate, including their location. The same applies to all other fixed navigational equipment, such as autopilots,
computers etc… Any fixed equipment or interior fitting with a (some) degree(s) of movement whose weight exceeds
5 kg shall be excluded from measurement trim, unless the centre of gravity of the item is never further than 200 mm
from the centreline of the boat.
*See application conditions page 21
Reminder: This measurement does not include rudders and their fittings, bobstay fittings, without devices designed
to lengthen the waterline, nor pulpits and pushpits, solar panels and wind vanes, nor the bowsprit, if it is removable
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(dispensation for fixed bowsprits of boats launched before the 31 of January 2007).
In the case of transom-hung rudders, no part of the rudder system shall be wider than 150 mm, except for the top of
the rudder boxes and the top of the rudders.
The average freeboard must not be lower than 1.08 m in measurement trim.
The average freeboard is obtained by dividing by 8.19 the vertical projected surface of the topsides between 2m
from the forward-most point of the hull used to measure Lh (point A) and 2m from the aft-most point of the hull
used to measure Lh (Point B).
A
B
The topsides are defined as the hull surface between the waterline and the sheer.
The sheer is defined as the intersection between the hull and deck as per the drawings below. For any configuration
which is different, the Technical Committee must be consulted for an interpretation.
At point A, the freeboard cannot be less than 1.25m and no point of the sheer forward of point A can be lower than
A. Interruptions in the sheerline are permitted for a sprit recess for a bowsprit, but not extend lower than 1.25m
from the waterline, no more than 1m aft of the forward-most point of the hull.
Between points A and B, the sheer must not feature any inflection point or discontinuity in its curve.
From 1m aft of the stem to 0.5m forward of the stern, the sheer must be a continuous line with a minimum radius of
2m in the profile view.
(Dispensation for boats measured prior to the 1st of January 2014).
The boat weight must not be lower than 4580* kg in measurement trim as defined in 201.
The pre-build detailed draft drawings must show the position of any potential corrector weight (See Fundamental
Rules).
* See application conditions page 21
207. BALLAST
The maximum volume of liquid ballast is 1500 l, symmetrically distributed (750 l on each side), including plumbing up
to the centreline of the boat. The ballast tanks are fixed.
A band measuring a minimum of 25mm in width in a contrasting colour must be affixed around the top of the mast.
The lower part of this band will be situated at a height of 19 m above the water surface in measurement trim. No
point of any set sail may be situated above the lower part of this band.
Halyards which exit above the point of maximum air draft must be routed/restrained by appropriate means, for
example:
- fairlead
- strop
- some form of mechanical stop for the headboard car
In the absence of such a band, the high point will be the highest point of the mast tube.
The aftermost part of the boom must be at least 80cm forward of the aftermost point used to determine Lh,
whatever the trim of the mainsail.
Any track with a curve(s) where the radius is less than 4.5 metres is forbidden.
No part of the mainsheet traveller track can be further than 1.25 m from this aftermost point (dispensation for boats
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launched prior to the 31 of January 2007).
210. BOWSPRIT
Once in position, the forward extremity of the bowsprit must not exceed the forward-most point used to determine
Lh by more than 2.0 m. The mounting system must ensure that this length of 2 metres shall never be exceeded.
The bowsprit must be removable (in line with EN/ ISO 8666 §5.2.2 for measuring length Lh).
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(Dispensation for boats launched prior to the 31 of January 2007).
210.01 Outrigger
Outriggers whose purpose is to hold the spinnaker guy outboard to windward are permitted.
These cannot be located more than 35% of Lh from the bow.
212. SAILS
The surface area, mainsail + solent (see definition in 212.03.01), must not exceed 115 m2.
212.01.01 – The Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) and dispositions in Appendix G of the World Sailing RRS
rules (size and positioning of the sail numbers) apply.
212.01.02 - Sail numbers are distributed by the Class 40 in chronological order of requests.
212.02.01 - The sail area of the mainsail (SMGV/MMSS) is calculated by the formula:
212.02.02 - Height
Luff (ERS G.7.3)
212.02.03 - Girth
212.02.04 - Foot
Foot (ERS G.7.1).
212.02.05 - The distance between the mid-foot point and the equidistant point between the tack point and
the clew point shall not exceed 0.15 m. (ERS G.5.6.a)
A genoa/ heavy-weather jib/ solent is a headsail which is defined as a sail whose half width is measured
from the half leech point to the closest point on the luff, and where this half width is 50% or less of LPG and
whose width perpendicular to the luff at the three quarter leech point is less than or equal to 30 % of LP.
SMF = 0.5 x JL x LP
The distance between the mid-foot point and the equidistant point between the tack point and the clew
point of the genoa/ jib/solent shall not exceed 0.1 m. (ERS G.5.6.a)
450 mm max
The cockpit can be any width between the aft-most point used to determine Lh and 1.75 metres forwards of this
point.
Between 1.75 m and 4.50 m forward of the aft-most point used to determine Lh, no part of the deck or cockpit
surface can be lower than the sheer of the same section outside a plane situated 1,350 mm from the centerline
when the boat is floating upright.
Between 4.50 m forward of the aft-most point used to determine Lh and the bow, no part of the deck or coachroof
can be lower than the sheer of the same section, with the exception of an anchor locker. The aft-most point of the
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anchor locker shall be less than 1.50 metres from the bow, and its total volume less than 0.4m .
Between 1.75m forward of the aft-most point used to determine Lh and the bow, no non-watertight locker may be
installed in such a way that it would be below the waterline + 300 mm when the boat is heeled to 90°.
Any device not covered in this article which could be beneficial for the 90° test shall be submitted to the Technical
Committee for an interpretation.
Reminder:
The boat must conform with all aspects of:
- the “NF EN ISO 12217 Small Craft - Stability and Buoyancy Assessment and Categorisation- part 2: Sailing
boats with a hull length greater or equal to 6 m” for design category A, except 6.1.4 b) where the sentence
“for the next less demanding design category » is replaced by « for the design category concerned”,
- the “NF EN ISO 11812 – Small Craft – watertightness requirements of quick draining cockpits” for design
category A.
A Class40 accredited measurer shall have verified the load measured during a Class40 90° test. The written report (or
any other document) shall then be submitted to the class. This document shall prove that the stability of the vessel
concerned has been verified and shall state the results obtained for each of the requirements of the standards.
Within the framework of this measurement, the measurer will note down the following measurements on his report:
Lh, Bmax, Tmax, average freeboard, top point of the mast, following the procedure supplied by Class 40.
The weighing of a boat in measurement trim must have been carried out by a Class40 accredited measurer, using a
load cell with its valid annual certificate.
This person will supply the class with a report of the weighing session.
This test is aimed at proving that the boat is capable of righting itself from the broached position with empty ballast
tanks.
It must be done by a Class40 accredited measurer.
When heeled at 90 degrees (on both sides, if considered necessary) the boat in measurement trim (see §201) is kept
in this position with the aid of a strop passed around the mast at the level of the measurement band at the top point
A watertight collision bulkhead must be installed between 10% and 15% of Lh, aft of the forward-most Lh point. A
watertight bulkhead must be installed forward of the rudder stock(s) and a minimum of 1m forward of the aft-most
point of Lh.
A system of watertight hatches, with a minimum opening of 0.18 m², shall enable evacuation via the back of the boat
when inverted. This hatch must be located on the transom, outside the aft lifelines on any boat launched for the first
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time after March 1 2011. All boats shall conform to this rule by the 1 of September 2010 in order to participate in
Category 1 races.
For boats launched from the 1st of January 2021 onwards, the minimum combined deck camber and coachroof
volume, V, in m3, shall be:
V = Bmax + 0.6 x Bav
With :
Bmax being the maximum width of a boat expressed in metres,
Bav being the width of the hull, measured at 2000 mm aft of the forwardmost point used to determine Lh, expressed
in metres.
A coachroof is mandatory. The volume of any rope tunnels shall be deducted. The volume represented by coachroof
extensions and coamings cannot be included.
A certificate signed by the designer, specifying this volume, must be supplied.
See Appendix for dates of application.
A minimum of 5 m3 of closed-cell foam is required. This volume, divided into a minimum of 4 compartments, must
be evenly distributed around the center of the boat. The volume of the sandwich hull lining and structural
longitudinal and transverse bulkheads built in sandwich may be included in this volume of foam (but not the volume
of the deck lining).
The skipper must supply a drawing showing the detail and the distribution of the buoyancy volume, signed by the
designer, the builder and the skipper.
The buoyancy sections must be affixed to the hull, the deck or the structure in such a way as to withstand a force at
least equal to their buoyancy, no matter what the trim or heel of the boat.
For boats not covored by points a/ and b/, the following rule shall continue to apply until the end of 2021 :
A minimum of 3 m3 of closed-cell foam is required. This volume, divided into a minimum of 4 compartments, must
be distributed symmetrically around the boat’s centre of gravity. The volume of the sandwich hull lining may be
included in this volume of foam (but not the volume of the deck lining, nor that of the bulkheads).
The skipper must supply a file showing the detail and the distribution of the buoyancy volume, signed by the
designer, the builder and the skipper.
306. PROPULSION
An engine, permanently fixed in place, with a minimum power of 20 kW, with fixed transmission with sail drive or
propeller shaft, and a propeller, situated beneath the centreline of the hull, must be installed.
There must be a minimum of 40 mm between the propeller when open, and the hull. The propeller blades may be
folding or feathering.
The propeller when open must have a minimum diameter of 360 mm.
The autonomy of the propulsion system shall be equivalent to that provided by a 40 litre tank for a diesel engine, no
matter what the power source.
Only metal lifelines are allowed. A lanyard or synthetic rope may be used to secure the ends of the lifeline. Each
lanyard must not exceed 100 mm (4 inches) in length.
If the 5m3 of foam is in position prior to the 2021 certificate request, the certificate will be drawn up on the
basis of a minimum measurement weight of 4,580 kg with the batteries in position and a maximum 90°
measurement of 323 kg.
If the 5 m3 of foam is not in position prior to the 2021 certificate request, the certificate will be drawn up on
the basis of a minimum measurement weight of 4,500 kg not including service batteries and with a
maximum 90° measurement of 320 kg.
For the 2022 certificate, all the boats must have 5 m3 of foam. It will be drawn up on the basis of a
minimum measurement weight of 4,580 kg with the batteries in position and a maximum 90° measurement
of 323 kg.
It is the measurers who will define the boats required to undergo a new weighing session and/or new stability
measurement. A new weight measurement requirement will be depend on the boat’s last measurement weight, the
weight of the on-board battery bank and any additional work carried out prior to the certificate request. Boats
where the current certificate indicates a 90° test greater than or equal to 319 kg will have to undergo a new stability
test. This test may also be requested by the measurers for other boats.
The use of titanium and materials denser than the lead is forbidden, except as described in article 406.
Materials forbidden in the construction of the hull, deck, the interior structure and fittings are:
Carbon fibre
Aramid fibre
Any fibre where the maximum tensile strength is in excess of 3800 Mpa
Sandwich cores: honeycomb cores.
The use of resin pre-preg reinforcements in the construction of the hull, the deck, the interior structure and fittings
is forbidden.
For boats launched from July 2012 onwards and for rudders with stocks, only solid, turned stocks (having an axis of
rotation) and made from one type of metal only are permitted. The types of metal permitted are:
316L
17-4PH
F16-PH
Carbon fibre with a modulus greater than 245 GPa (certification from the manufacturer obligatory).
The mast section, except local reinforcements, must be constant from the mast base to the fixed main forestay tang.
A section that gradually tapers away is only permitted above the forestay tang.
All materials other than steel are forbidden. All steels where the Young’s modulus is greater than 206 GPa are
forbidden.
406. EQUIPMENT
406.01: Forbidden materials are only permitted in equipment as a minor and standard part in the parts list of a
standard item, mass-produced and sold to the public, features in suppliers’ public catalogues with the price listed.
406.02: Coffee grinders are forbidden.
406.03: Batteries shall be exclusively lead (acid or gel)
406.04: Mainsail halyard locks are forbidden.
Halyard lock are permitted for the Storm jib, the Heavy-Weather jib (trinquette) and loose-luff foresails tacked onto
the bowsprit (codes, gennakers, spinnakers).
The definition of a halyard lock is any mechanical system designed to hold sails aloft by taking the load off the
halyard. This rule does not apply to furling sails with lashings.
No system for keeping sails hoisted shall be situated higher on the mast than 2.25 m above deck level, except for
halyard locks permitted in 406.04.
For any device or equipment not cited in this article and (or) not previously validated by the measurers and which
could contain materials listed as forbidden, the Technical Committee must be consulted. The latter will deliver its
verdict within 30 days, with no right of appeal
- Elements of the automatic pilot product line, namely the calculator, processor, electronic hub, power control
unit, computer software and adjoining licences. Each of these elements must be available as standart product
(available on catalogue). This set-up must not exceed a public price of €20,000 ex-VAT. Within this amount, the
software licences required to operate the automatic pilot are deemed to be included. The other elements such as
the displays, sensors other than the inertial navigation system and the rams are not included in the calculation. The
term ‘electronic unit’ is understood to mean any device used to collect and use the data from the various sensors.
- No element of the backup pilot can be more expensive than its equivalent on the main automatic pilot.