Wabbit Fleet Rules


July 2023 - Substantive changes to the Rules include Articles 4-31, 4-3.2.2 and 4.3.5.3 and were directed by an online vote following the 2022 Nationals and formulated by the Advisory Committee. All changes were approved by the National Board.

December 2007 - Articles 1-2, 3-4.1, 3-5.1.2, 3-5.3.1, 3-5.3.2, 3-5.3.3, 4-1, 4-3.1, 4-3.2, 4-3.2.1, 4-3.2.2, 4-3.2.3 and 4-3.3 were changed by a vote at the 2007 Nationals. The specific changes to the articles with strikeouts and additions marked can be read in the 2007 Wabbit Rules Change

January 2003 - Articles 2-5, 4-3.4 and 4-3.5.3 were updated.

April 2002 - Articles 3-5.1, 3-5.1.2, 3-5.4 and 6-13 were updated.

August 1999 - These rules were passed by the National Board.


WABBIT CONSTITUTION (pdf file)
WABBIT CONSTITUTION
(word doc)


RULES INDEX

ARTICLE I

Intent of rule:

1.1 It is the intent of these rules to provide a standard by which Wylie Wabbits can race as a one design class, and also by which boat tuning and sailing skills are primary in determining race results. Exotics and potentially expensive materials and equipment will be prohibited, as specified in Article II - General Clause. It is further intended that the racing and cruising capabilities of the Wylie Wabbit be maintained by these rules.

1.2 The following items are exempt from the material and equipment restrictions of Article 1-1:

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE II

General Clauses:

2-1 The Wylie Wabbit Class Association reserves the right to interpret these rules as will best provide one design racing for the class. Anything not covered in these rules will be subject to a ruling by the association as it becomes necessary.

2-2 It is the responsibility of the Owner and or Skipper of the yacht to check with the Class Association before making any changes to the stock Wylie Wabbit, as it comes from the factory. All manufacturers of new Wabbits will build boats to the original design specifications, any changes need the approval of the Association. All approved changes will be adopted into the class rules. Any illegal or unauthorized alterations could result in the loss of the yacht's measurement certificate.

2-3 Yachts that benefit from an unforeseen development not covered in these rules, may have their eligibility to race in class events, reviewed and determined by the governing board.

2-4 The prototype boat with hull #1 and Wylie Wabbit hull #2 are both grandfathered as of November 1988. Additionally, all stock boats and stock equipment as provided by original manufacturer, prior to January 1985 shall also be grandfathered as of October 1993. They are to be considered as legal Wylie Wabbits and allowed to race in all class regattas; with the stipulation that they retain their original hull shape and no other material or structural changes are made, unless specifically allowed by these rules.

2-5 Yachts involved in class approved modifications, or anything other than minor repairs, must be checked by the class measurer and approved by the National Board.

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE III

Specifications:

3-1 Tolerances: Any dimension not defined as a maximum or minimum shall have a standard boat builder's tolerance of plus or minus 1/4". A maximum or minimum dimension shall be an absolute measurement; a maximum cannot be exceeded and a minimum cannot be reduced. The keel weight is allowed to vary by plus or minus 20 lbs except as provided in 3-4.1.

3-2 Hull and Deck:

3-2.1 Hull and deck shall be built of Fiberglass (also known as GRP) from molds approved by the Wylie Wabbit Class Association, and which strictly follow the original One Design Plans by Tom Wylie. The construction technique and lay-up schedule, should be similar to maintain similar weight distribution in all hulls.

3-2.2 Hulls shall be issued a measurement certificate by the builder upon delivery, or by the class measurer before a national regatta. Certificates shall only be given to yachts complying to class rules.

3-2.3 An opening hatch at the rear is required. This hatch must be similar in weight, construction, location, and operation as provided by the original builder. Hatch must be equipped so it can be secured.

3-2.4 All yachts should weigh a minimum of 975 lbs in measurement trim. Measurement trim is defined in paragraph 3-2.5. Yachts not meeting the minimum weight requirement shall correct deficiencies by adding weight permanently affixed in position. Up to 50 lbs is allowed to be added without restriction as to location. Any weight required in excess of 50 lbs shall be divided into equal amounts, and placed within 3 feet of each end (bow and stern).

3-2.5 Measurement trim will be defined as follows:

3-2.6 A yacht which has been measured for a previous national regatta, by an official class measurer, may be raced without further measurement only if; the yacht has a measurement certificate accurately indicating the yacht's condition, and no alterations have been made to the hull or equipment since last being measured. The owner or skipper may be required to certify in writing that no alterations have been made since the last measurement. The official measurer may, at his discretion, measure any yacht before or during its participation in a national regatta.

3-3 Rudder: The rudder is to have a solid, stainless steel, rudder post of 1" outer diameter. The profile, foil shape, and location are to conform with Tom Wylie's drawing # 10-01-01 B, dated October 1981. Drawings are available through Tom Wylie Naval Architect.

3-4 Keel: The keel shall be standard as supplied with the yacht from the builder. The lead ballast shall be neither increased or decreased except as provided in 3-4.1. Nominal weight to be 440 lbs, subject to tolerances described in 3-1. The section, profile, and location is to conform with lines, plans, and table of offsets indicated on original Wabbit drawings by Tom Wylie. Drawings are available through Tom Wylie Naval Architect.

3-4.1 Coring of the keel is permitted to decrease boat weight to the minimum class weight. Coring is limited to within 18" of the hull.

3-5 Spars and Rigging:

3-5.1 Mast Requirements

3-5.1.1 The mast shall be of aluminum alloy of no less than 1.123 pounds per foot. Mast must be stepped on the deck as prescribed in the original drawings by Tom Wylie, Naval Architect.

Approved sections shall be limited to:

1) Original Ballenger Section (BM-M) - 3.95" x 2.63"

2) Dwyer Section (DM-375) - 3.75" x 2.25"

3) Ballenger Section (B4026) - 4.0" x 2.6"

4) Dwyer Section (DM-368) - 3.68"x2.44".

The mast shall not be tapered.

3-5.1.2 There is to be a single set of inline spreaders located 11 feet above the mast base. The length of each is to be 22 inches mast to tip for the original Ballenger and the Dwyer sections. The new Ballenger section (B4026) shall have inline spreaders, the length of each is to be from 20.5 to 22 inches mast to tip. Spreaders are to be located 11 feet above the mast base. All mast sections may have spreaders angled back so long as the uppers, where they pass through the spreader tips are not aft of the mast section. Forward sweep is not allowed.

3-5.1.3 The deck at the mast base is used as a basis for all measurements. The thickness of the tabernacle is to be considered as part of the total mast length for measurement purposes.

3-5.1.4 The upper point of "I" is to be defined as the highest of either:

A. The intersection of the centerline of the jibstay with the forward face of the mast, or

B. the bearing point of the highest headsail halyard.

The upper point of "I" is to be a maximum of 20'09" above the deck at the mast base.

3-5.1.5 The headstay shall be 6'6" forward of the front face of the mast, measuring on a horizontal plane.

3-5.1.5.1 A roller furling jib is permitted. If the roller mechanism is below deck, the headstay is permitted to pass through the deck. If the headstay passes through the deck, a watertight fitting shall be used to prevent water ingress. If the roller mechanism is below the deck, the control lines shall be run below the deck and are not permitted to pass through the deck.

3-5.1.6 Upper Mast Band: A 1/2" contrasting band is to be painted on the mast to limit the mainsail height. The lower edge of this band is to be a maximum of 26'01" above the mast base.

3-5.1.7 Lower Mast Band: A 1/2" contrasting band is to be painted on the mast, the upper edge of which should be 2'4" above the mast base. The purpose of this band is to control boom height; A horizontal line projected by the top of the boom should be no lower than the upper edge of this lower band. Note: The distance between the lower edge of the upper mast band and the upper edge of the lower mast band shall not exceed 23'9".

3-5.1.8 Mast Modifications

3-5.2 Boom Requirements

3-5.2.1.1 The boom shall be of aluminum alloy of no less than 0.95 pounds per foot. Dimensions are 3.27" x 2.51".

3-5.2.1.2 No holes other than those required for control lines and/or for fastening equipment to the boom shall be added (lightening holes are prohibited).

3-5.2.1.3 There shall be a 1/2" contrasting band to limit the mainsail foot; the forward edge of the band shall not be more than 10' from the aft edge of the mast. The band must be permanent in nature.

3-5.3 Spinnaker Pole and equipment requirements

3-5.3.1 The spinnaker pole of two-jaw configuration shall be no more than 8'6" in overall length including ends. Alternative spinnaker pole configurations shall extend not more than 8’ 6”, as measured from the center of the forward face of the mast to the outmost end of the pole, on any point of sail. The pole is to be of aluminum alloy tubing, no less than 1.5" diameter

3-5.3.2 One fixed spinnaker pole eye is permitted. The pole eye should be a Nico Fico model 723 or its equivalent in dimension and strength. Mounting of the pole eye should be 3'3" above mast base and centered on forward face of the mast. When deployed, the mast end of the spinnaker pole shall be secured to the mast at a fixed height of 3’3” above the mast base, as measured to projected center of the pole diameter. Any means of adjusting the height of the pole on the mast is specifically prohibited.

3-5.3.3 Any system for automatically deploying the spinnaker pole through the use of running rigging, levers, or any other means is specifically prohibited.

3-5.3.4 Spinnaker Gear:

3-5.4 The standing rigging, with the exception of the backstay, shall be per sail plan #03-03-06, as revised January 1982, and shall use 1/8” – 1 x 19 wire. The upper bearing point of the upper shroud can be a maximum of 20’9” above the base of the mast. The backstay can be any material and shall be a minimum of 1/8 inch.

3-5.5 Headfoils, gemini foils, and twin stays are allowed, but twice their width shall be added to the headsail LP.

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE IV

Sails:

4-1 It is the intent of these rules that the class sails conform with the various national and international measurement rules. Sails will be measured in accordance with the recommendations and rules of IYRU. Sail dimensions are presented in both the original imperial and in metric. In all cases the original is the governing measurement. All sail measurements shall be to projected points, except for the mainsail and jib heads. All stock Horizon sails made prior to September 22,1984 are grandfathered, and are to be accepted as class legal.

4-2 The Wylie Wabbit shall be raced as a one design with a maximum of 3 sails. These sails shall consist of: a mainsail, a spinnaker, and a 105% jib. Substitutions will be allowed during a regatta in case of irreparable damage. A storm jib with a maximum area of 20 sq ft. may be carried and will not be counted as one of the three. Only sails which have been measured, approved, and signed by an official measurer, may be used in class racing. A 150% or 155% genoa is prohibited at national one design regattas. Use of genoas at local regattas or PHRF events is left to the discretion of the local fleet.

4-3 New Sails: Only one main, class jib, and spinnaker may be measured in any one calendar year. Exceptions may be made by the class measurer in the case of irreparable damage.

4-3.1 The mainsail can be constructed of any material commercially available prior to January 1, 2022, with the exception of carbon. Jib and genoa material is unrestricted. Spinnakers are to be constructed of nylon. The intent of this rule is to eliminate any material not specifically allowed.

4-3.2 Class Jib:

4-3.2.1 No Jib shall have an LP larger than 7' (213.36 cm). The luff is limited to 18.75' (571.50 cm) with a minimum of 2% less. The maximum girth, including the luff tape, at 18.75' (571.50 cm) above the tack is 2 inches (5.08 cm). The use of two sets of snaps or hanks that allows for the use of more than one luff curve on a single jib is allowed.

4-3.2.2 Jib battens may be carried, with a total of 3 allowed. Battens are to be spaced equidistant on the leech. Batten spacing tolerance is + or - 2" (5.08 cm). A horizontal top batten may be full length. Maximum length of any other batten is 15-1/2" (39.37 cm). Batten spacing and lengths are measured at the intersection of the battens and the leech.

4-3.2.3 The jib leech may not extend beyond a straight line drawn from the aft edge of the head to the clew. The luff shall be straight while the leech is measured. The intent of this rule is to prohibit jibs with roach.

4-3.3 A 155% genoa may be used as an option by the local fleet for local class or PHRF racing. The luff shall not exceed 20’9” (632.46 cm), and the L.P. shall not exceed 10’01” (307.34 cm).

4-3.4 The spinnaker shall have a maximum luff of no more than 21’6”(655.32 cm), and a maximum girth of 14' (426.72 cm). The spinnaker cloth weight shall be a minimum of 40 grams/m2.

4-3.5 Class Mainsail:

4-3.5.1 The mainsail maximum leech is 25’9” (784.86 cm). The mid- girth maximum is 6.6' (6'-7-3/16") (102.17 cm). The upper mid-girth maximum is 3.9' (3'-10-13/16") (118.87 cm). Mainsail girths are to be measured by using the intersection defined by the top edge of the headboard with the forward edge of the bolt rope. For loose footed mainsails, the foot round may not exceed 4" (10.16 cm) at center and 3" (7.62 cm) at each quarter point; measured below a straight line from the projected corners while the sail is in fan. The headboard shall be not longer than 6" (15.24 cm). Reef points are allowed.

4-3.5.2 Four mainsail battens are allowed and shall be evenly spaced along the leech. Batten spacing tolerance is + or - 2" (5.08 cm). The top most batten may be full length. The maximum length of the 2 middle battens shall not exceed 42" (106.68 cm) each. The bottom batten shall not exceed 30" (76.20). The purpose of this rule is to ensure maximum regatta eligibility using class sails.

4-3.5.3 The class insignia shall be displayed on the mainsail between the upper two battens. Sail numbers should follow guidelines set by IYRU and USSA.

4-3.5.4 The aft head point of the mainsail is defined by the aft upper corner of the headboard, measured at 90 degrees to the luff and not more than 7" aft of the luff (front of the bolt rope). Between the mainsail aft head point and the upper mid girth measurement point, the mainsail roach is limited to a maximum of 2-1/2"

4-4 Sailmaker's specifications are as follows:

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE V

Required Equipment:

5-1 The interior shall have as a minimum:

1. Forward buoyancy bag(s) located in the area of the bow. Bag(s) shall have a minimum total air volume of 6 cubic ft (minimum).Rear buoyancy bags, located in the areas under each cockpit seat. The combined volume of bags shall total at least 8 cubic feet. A 12 gallon ice chest, stored in the area of the original factory installation. The ice chest is to be strapped in position as originally delivered from the factory.

Note: The volume for airbags should be estimated as closely as possible. This may be accomplished in the inflated or deflated condition. The fleet measurer will determine the method used for volume calculations. Bags must be inflated while racing.

5-2 An appropriate combination of anchor, chain, and line collectively weighing at least 8 pounds

5-3 Minimum U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment including the following: a type I, II, or III personal Floatation devices for each person on the boat, and one type IV buoyant cushion or ring buoy.

5-4 The hard hatch cover or alternate means of closing the hatchway while underway (e.g. folding canvas or zipper hatch).

5-5 A paddle or sweep sufficient enough to create way for safe maneuvering.

5-6 A bucket or alternate bailing apparatus.

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE VI

Prohibitions:

The following are specifically prohibited under the One Design Class Rules:

6-1 Standing rigging capable of being adjusted while racing. The backstay is the only exception to this rule and may be adjustable, subject to the limitations in paragraph 6-11

6-2 Through deck spinnaker launching systems.

6-3 Mast bending devices including but not limited to: struts, rams, and or midstays.

6-4 Altering the scantlings to improve the pitching moment of inertia.

6-5 Double trapezes. Only one trapeze is allowed for use in class racing, with no more than one crew member at a time supported on the wire.

6-6 Hiking racks or extensions to gunnels.

6-7 Standing or running rigging led through the deck or cabin top.

6-8 Waterbags or weight devices designed to artificially increase the weight of the crew or improve yachts upwind stability.

6-9 Mainsheet travelers.

6-10 (not being used)

6-11 Jib cars not pinned in place, and adjustable under load.

6-12 Jib tracks inboard or outboard of the original location.

6-13 Any number of parts determining leverage for running rigging which exceeds the following: 12 to 1 for Boomvang and Backstay, 8 to 1 for all other running rigging.

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE VII

Modifications:

7-1 It is the intent of this rule is to provide guidelines for and limitations to approved modifications. All modifications should maintain the integrity of the one design and improve longevity.

7-2 A measurement certificate will be invalidated by structural alteration, replacement of components, and or major repairs. Yachts must be remeasured with respect to the affected parts or areas, before a new certificate will be issued.

7-3 Cabin top stiffener: One athwartships stiffener may be added to the interior area of the cabin top. This stiffener shall be attached to either the front or rear surface of the mast compression post. The lowest point of the stiffener shall not extend below a horizontal plane defined by: the intersection of the interior surface of the cabin side with the underside of the deck. Maximum thickness of the stiffener shall not exceed 3/4". The intent of this modification is to allow installation of a stiffener to the interior cabin top, preventing compression failure of the cabin top under the mast step. See figure 1 attached for installation guidelines.

7-4 To reduce mast post compression of the hull, one of the following modifications is allowed:

7-4.1 Fiberglass reinforcement (GRP), centered under the mast post may be added. This reinforcement may extend up to, but not above the intersection of the hull and deck. 3/4" foam may be used to fill the low areas in hull contour, created by the bottom core and hull stringers. The foam must follow the contour of the hull, and may not exceed a width of 8". The total width of reinforcement may not exceed 12" fore and aft. Thickness of the layers may not exceed the equivalent of 3 layers of 24 oz woven roving. See figure 2 attached for installation guidelines.

7-4.2 A partial bulkhead, positioned athwartships and adjoining the aft or forward surface of the mast compression post, may be attached to the hull. The bulkhead shall not extend above a horizontal plane defined by a straight edge laid between the highest point of the port and starboard lower hull stringers. The maximum thickness of the bulkhead shall be 3/4". The bulkhead shall be constructed of wood, plywood, or foam. The following laminating schedule should be observed:

7-5 Additional forward bulkhead

7-5.1 A vertical athwartships bulkhead can be added in contact with the aft side of the mast compression post. Construction of this bulkhead may be created by using one or more framing pieces, subject to the thickness tolerance indicated below. Placement of the new bulkhead shall be in line with the vertical athwartships plane created by the aft side of the mast compression post. Bulkhead may be structurally bonded to the hull and underside of the deck. Materials used in bulkhead construction shall be limited to either cored or non-cored material, with a maximum finished thickness of 3/4". Material type is limited to: plywood, fiberglass layers, or fiberglass sandwich using either foam or wood core. Installation should use the following the laminating schedule and be subjected to the limitations indicated:

7-5.2 An opening must be provided in the bulkhead to allow access to the bow area. This opening shall be a minimum of 38" in width, 13" in height to allow access to bow area. The opening should be sealed with a solid door, Hypalon cover, or other water resistive barrier.

7-5.3 Installation of these bulkheads is not to be considered as a substitute for air bags. Air bags are still required as indicated in paragraph 5-1 A.

7-6 Bulkhead caps: Any of the three possible mid hull partial bulkheads may have caps of no more than 2" wide nor 1 3/4" deep.

7-7 A 6" by 9" triangular knee may be added to the rear of the mast post at the top of the cabin. The maximum thickness shall not exceed 3/4". The knee should be securely attached to the mast post and cabin top. The intent of this modification is to support the section of the cabin top, under the mast step, not supported by the mast compression post.

7-8 Additional aft bulkheads

7-8.1 To improve floatation, the installation of 2 light weight, watertight bulkheads may be added to the interior. These bulkheads should be located in the following areas:

A. At the rear edge of the cockpit and running athwartships, and

B. At the front edge of the cockpit or 12" aft, also running athwartships.

Bulkheads shall be sealed on all edges to the hull and deck creating an airtight chamber under the cockpit.

7-8.2 For the purpose of this rule, lightweight shall be defined as either cored or non-cored material, with a maximum thickness of 3/4". Materials allowed in construction include: plywood, fiberglass layers, or fiberglass sandwich using either foam or wood core.

7-8.3 Drain plugs and inspection ports may be added as long as the chamber can be made watertight while racing.

7-8.4 Installation of these bulkheads is not to be considered as a substitute for air bags. Air bags are still required as indicated in paragraph 5-1 B.

7-9 Equipment mounting pads: Pads are allowed under deck equipment to provided proper lead angles. The maximum width and length of mounting pads shall not exceed an overall dimension 2" greater than that of the equipment being supported. These pads are not intended as structural members or stiffeners.

7-10 No holes over 1/2" may be drilled in the deck unless filled by equipment which is permanently installed and sealed in place. It is the intent of this rule that all holes are to be filled by either equipment, fasteners, or repair material. No unfilled holes that breach the deck or hull are to be allowed.

7-11 Backup plates and fender washers are limited to a maximum of 1" greater than the width and length of the fitting being installed.

7-12 Disclaimer: Modifications to any Wylie Wabbit, performed by the owner or his agents after delivery, shall be the sole responsibility of the owner; and shall not subject the manufacturer or association to liability for resulting injury. Any planned modification should be in accordance with this article. One design eligibility will be reviewed per paragraph 2-2 and 2-5.

RULES INDEX

ARTICLE VIII



Miscellaneous Provisions:

8-1 The stem fitting, chainplates, jib and genoa tracks, barney post, and backstay fitting must be located as supplied by the original manufacturer.

8-2 The measurer may not certify his or her own yacht. The measure's yacht shall be measured by a committee formed of the fleet captain and a delegate from the technical committee.

8-3 Protests: A protest against any yachts measurement certificate shall be accompanied by a fee of $20.00. If the protest is upheld, the fee will be returned. If the protest is disallowed, the fee shall become a part of the general fund of the local fleet.

8-4 In the event of a weight limit protest, it shall be the responsibility of the protester to provide a scale, acceptable to the class measurer.

8-5 Weight Limit: The total crew weight shall not exceed 700 lbs, and may be distributed between a maximum of 4 people.

8-6 Wabbit events are open without restriction, to all categories of sailors, as defined by USSA.





RULES INDEX

ADDENDUM

PART I

San Francisco Bay Wylie Wabbit Fleet Rules

The San Francisco Bay Wylie Wabbit Fleet has adopted the Wylie Wabbit National Class Rules as local one design class rules. All yachts participating in local fleet racing shall abide by all standards and limitations indicated in the national class rules. Only modifications approved by the class and indicated in the national class rules are allowed. A measurement certificate signed by the national or local class measurer is considered valid by the local fleet.

The rules shall be amended to stipulate that; the local fleet shall race as a one design class with a maximum of three sails in all one design regattas. Sails are limited to a main, a 105% jib, and spinnaker. A 155% genoa is only allowed in PHRF and Handicap Regattas.