There is ongoing disgruntlement among some members of the Etchells fleet as to how rule changes were effected and communicated on the eve of the class world championships in Cowes tomorrow.
The assembled fleet on the English South coast learned of a class rule change regarding weigh in for crews by way of a Facebook post two weeks ago. Previously, a crew weight limit of 285–kilos was monitored for all crews before the start of the regatta, and again on Wednesday evening.
The change announced meant that crews weighing in at less than 277 k were excused the mid-week weigh. All others would have to reweigh on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning before racing.
This caused mixed reaction amongst the fleet. Those targeting 277 were delighted at being finished with weighing, those near to 285 were annoyed at the frequency of the reweigh.
So, yesterday, all crews were summoned to an emergency meeting in the Royal London Yacht Club. The meeting was a sell–out. There was expectation of a debate and discussion. Instead, the class chairman Gary Gilbert, walked into the room at the appointed hour, according to Afloat.ie sources, and read a short announcement which he said was an amendment of the Sailing Instructions.
The change results in crews within eight kg of the limit having to reweigh on Wednesday and crews less than that having no reweigh. All crews in the top ten on Friday will have to reweigh.
So, an outcome that should please everyone. Except, of course, the Class Governors who appear to have got it badly wrong in making the change and failing to communicate it to the members. Remember girls and toilet breaks?
