From David Snoad
National Measurer, Australian Sharpies.
Hello fellow Sharpie sailors,
I am writing to inform you of a decision made to mitigate concerns regarding a measuring issue in our class.
Over the last few years, there has been ambiguity around the measuring process of Sharpie jibs, which resulted in concerns from some sailors that some jibs made by North Sails did not measure, while being stamped as measured.
A review of headsail measurements in our class was conducted by me, with findings and recommendations communicated to the class on 20 December 2023. You can read those findings, as well as specific guidelines for measurers on how to measure Sharpie jibs here.
The method I have provided to measure jibs provides consistency and gives the best chance of the jib measuring, without manipulation and subjectivity. I have also remained consistent the entire way through that all jibs must measure and that any jib that is measured and found not to be legal must be disallowed, or rectified – the same for any measurable piece of equipment on the boat, including the hull.
The decision made by the National Executive is to invalidate the measurement stamps of all North Sails jibs dated prior to the 3 October 2024. Any North Sails jibs that you wish to race with must be re-measured and re-stamped. If the jib does not measure, you will need to have it fixed before re-presenting it for measurement. Don’t leave this until the first day of your racing if you feel there may be an issue and you wish to use the jib.
Any North Sails jibs that have been previously measured, must be re-measured before use.
Only North Sails jibs stamped after 3 October 2024 will be considered as legal to use.
A specific requirement of the class is that the onus is on the boat owner to ensure all equipment is legal while racing. I would encourage all crews to have a copy and understanding of the by-laws and rules of the class and remain vigilant that their equipment complies. These are available on the website. A more thorough compliance regime is being communicated amongst the state measurers, and noncompliance can ultimately result in disqualification.
If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or on 0403 303 303.
Kind regards,
Dave Snoad
National Measurer
Australian Sharpie Sailing Association