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2019 ORR Rule Changes Summarized, Outboard Sheeting of Headsails Clarified

The 2019 ORR Rulebook is available and includes technical changes, plus restrictions on the setting and sheeting of headsails to leeward. By Dan Nowlan, ORA Rulebooks Manager.

While most of the rule changes in the 2019 Offshore Racing Rule (“ORR Rule Book”) are technical clarifications and improvements (and are described at the end of this article), ORR recently has received queries asking if it is legal under the 2019 ORR to use a whisker pole, reaching strut or other spar with a headsail to leeward (see photo).

Rule 10.05 covers “Restrictions on Setting and Sheeting of Headsails” and the legal use of whisker poles, spinnaker poles, etc. For 2019, a clarification has been made to 10.05 f). The intent of ORR Rule 10.05 f) is to not allow spars or outriggers to be used in this way. Careful review of that rule combined with the current edition of the Racing Rules of Sailing indicates a clarification is needed. The clarification is stated below and is effective immediately. Changes are underlined.

Race the Transpac Race on Virtual Regatta

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Stan Honey’s Race Tactics & Strategy Seminar Videos

Transpacific Yacht Club was proud to host a Race Tactics & Strategy seminar at Newport Harbor Yacht Club last weekend, presented by Stan Honey. We have a recording of the seminar in 4 parts posted to YouTube for those of you who were unable to attend.

Aloha Patriot, Paul Stemler’s J/44

The Transpacific Yacht Club welcomes Paul Stemler's J/44, Patriot, to the 2019 Transpac Race. Aloha!

Resetting the Clock

The Transpac Honolulu Race Elapsed Time Record Trophy (aka The Clock Trophy) was reset to the monohull race record set in the 2017 Transpac Race by Jim Clark’s 100-foot COMANCHE in a ceremony at Newport Harbor Yacht Club on Saturday, May 11th. The last time this clock was set was in 2009 by Neville Crichton’s R/P 90 ALFA ROMEO at a time of 5 days 14 hours 36 min 20 sec.

The new time on this beautiful trophy designed by Andrea Favilli and donated by Roy Disney is 5 days 1 hour 55 min 26 sec.