This section, updated regularly, include questions, the most frequently asked questions to the commission gauge.

 Some boats use a piece of sailbatten or similar attached with tape to the waterstay, to keep up the lazy sheet when doing outside gybes. Is this allowed ?
Only the structural part is limited to 2 meters. The "stick", or "batten" is not part of the structure of the bowsprit, therefore it is considered as being allowed.

 Should I measure my boat? It's a Pogo or Akilaria and I thought that these boats were all identical.
On top of the usual measurements (ballasts, etc...), weighting and 90° test is mandatory whatever the type of boat.

In light of what has been learnt from previous measurements of the Class40 fleet, ICNN and the technical committee have agreed that the advice of the certifier (ICNN) regarding the need for stability calculations (STIX,AVS...)will only be sought for boats where the result of the 90° test is less than 250kg for a measured weight of more than 5000 kg.

 Is the tiller considered part of the steering system or it can be considered an external accessory or an external component like the boom and the mast ?
Yes, the tiller is considered as part of the steering system. Therefore, it cannot be made of carbon.

 Is any discussion about weather or weather related decisions (present, past or future) by voice or email with a person on-shore (preparateur, team manager, wife, girlfriend etc.) considered as outside assistance and/or routing?
Yes, if the person onshore has knowledge of race strategy. No, if the person onshore does not have a clue in race strategy, like my 10 year old daughter or my wife.

 Is it allowed to use data downloaded from a server, which was set up before the race so it automatically downloads and stores weather data files (for example according to pre-set criteria or a pre-set catalogue)?
No, this is not allowed.

 Is it allowed when a third person (preparateur, team manager, wife, girlfriend etc.) compiles “legal” (not personalized, originating from a WMO body) weather-data, and then sends it either directly to the boat or uploads this data on a server for later download by the racer?
No, this is not allowed.

 The halyard locks are prohibited but to use locks for taking reefs is not prohibited. Am I allowed to use locks under the boom for taking reefs?
Yes, this is allowed.

 Is the hydrogenerator allowed? In particular the "racing" version, with carbon parts? If yes, can we leave it on board during the weighing test?
Yes, the hydrogenerator is allowed.
However, it is an aditional equipment, removable, not included in the weighing test.

 We will be launching a new class40 in the coming months and we would like to measure the boat for the Class40 once it is launched. What is the budget requested by the association to carry out these measures?
The costs for the measurement of your boat are the responsibility of the owner. Measurement should be carried out after a class number assigned. The Class association charges a fee of 300 € that is part of the costs charged when a class number is awarded. The owner of the boat will also be responsible for other related costs, including paying the measurer as well as paying for the boat to be weighed and the righting test to be performed.

 About weather routing, under which circumstances would a server be considered as “public”?
This is not very clear but this type of server could be declared "public", if it is accessible by all, that all are aware of it and it has to be discussed and agreed before the start amongst all the competitors. In my opinion it makes no sense when we see how spread over was the fleet of the Route du Rhum 2010.

 What are the limits for carbon equipment / hardware that can be used on my class40?
Carbon is allowed in all equipment / hardware except for the winches (Class40 Rules 407). Hulls, decks and spars have their own limitations and restrictions on the use of carbon, as noted in the Class Rules.

 What is the position of the class on the use of a code 0 or gennaker?
The position of the Class 40 is that the architects and skippers can do as they wish with regard to code 0's and gennakers, so long as all other aspects of their program and boat remain in good standing with the Class Rules.