29er Worlds

[Oliver Scutt]

The 29er Worlds in the Bahamas are fast approaching and the excitement
(perhaps tension?) is undoubtedly building in several households as we
ready our boats for the grand tour. Our boat, for example, will be
gone for nearly 5 months, do 7 events and will cover nearly 7000 miles
between Seattle and Miami.

As of today, I see 30 boats entered for the Worlds with a superb
roster of sailors, so I am confident that those lucky enough to be
going will have a great time.

As the US 29er Class Association President, and with a new set of
Class Rules in place, I would like to take this opportunity to remind
everybody of their obligations to make sure that their boat is
absolutely class legal and not modified in any way that will
compromise its measurement certificate. As a strict one design class,
there is very little latitude in the rules (meaning the answer is
generally 'No' unless explicitly permitted), hence the onus is on you
to ensure that your boat is in completely in compliance. If you have
any questions concerning modifications that you are contemplating, or
have done, I suggest that you seek clarity with the Class Measurer
before shipping or competing as spares etc will be hard to find at the
venue. With relatively few boats (allowing more time per boat),
please be prepared for a more in depth measurement review than
normal.

In the meantime, I wish you all a successful regatta, or series of
regattas, good camaraderie and the best of sportsmanship.

Best regards and sail fast!
Oliver Scutt