Rule 42 is the rule which governs pumping ooching rocking and sculling. It is designed to stop sailors propelling their boat by kinetics rather than allowing the wind to move you along. We have all seen the exagerated tack or pumping the mainsheet improve a boat's speed at a convenient moment. To stop this happening we have rule 42 which is the main rule that judges on the water will police. By and large these tactics only work in light airs and so there is an argument that the rule is unnecessary above a certain wind speed. Some international classes, including the 420, 470 and Finn and to a lesser extent the Bic have made use of a World sailing Appendix P5 to the Racing Rules which allows the race committee to turn off the pumping, ooching and rocking part of Rule 42. It requires the class to "permit" this and to set a specific wind strength at which it may be done. At the AGM at Worser Bay there was strong support for doing this and the wind speed of 10 knots was set. We therefore have everything in place for the race committee to make this adjustment.

To do this the Race Committee may display Flag O either prior to the warning signal or at a mark accompanied by repetitive sound signals. If the wind speed drops below 10 knots they should turn the rule back on by the display of Flag R again accompanied by the sound signals. The relaxation of the rule or its reinstatement only affects a boat once it has passed the mark.

It should be noted that only the pumping, ooching and rocking provisions of the rule are affected. Sculling and repeated tacks and gybes unrelated to changes of the wind are still prohibited.

Whilst the class sees this as a positive move we are cautious about opening the whole thing up without some oversight. Accordingly we invite Race Committees to trial these new provisions. There is nothing further you need to do except mention it in the SIs, that appendix P5 applies. The committee will monitor any feedback before recommending it for major events like the NI champs and the Nationals. If you have any queries or feedback on this matter please contact me on starlingclass@gmail.com  

Article added: Monday 09 July 2018