Update to Martin16 Class Rules

[Spencer Raggio]

Martin16 sailors: The class rules have been updated, effective July 14, 2026, see attached.

Changes include:

•    New permitted instruments/equipment (D.2): telltales on shrouds and sails; timing devices; an inclinometer (alongside the analog compass); and a VHF radio to monitor a Race-Committee-designated channel. The digital-compass allowance was broadened to include “directional memory.”

•    New sailing-companion actions (single-handed): “gybing the mainsail” and “other duties as specified in Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions” were added to the permitted-actions list.

•    Minimum weight rule (old 6.6): the entire 300 lb / 136 kg “live load” supplemental-ballast rule was removed.

•    Minimum fleet/class size (old 6.4): the “minimum of five boats registered” sentence was removed.

•    GPS speed-device prohibition (old 3.3.2): the explicit “GPS based speed devices are prohibited” statement no longer appears.

•    Foredeck repair restriction (old 6.5.2): the qualifier that repairs must “not involve accessing the foredeck” was dropped; repairs now simply need to be done safely.

•    Holding out sails (Section E, old 4.2): “No device may be used to hold the headsail out or to dislodge the headsail if caught” was broadened to “No device may be used to hold out, push out, gybe or dislodge either sail.”

Spencer