| RI-02-10 KELP WINDOWS (2002-02-12) |
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| Q1: | Is it permissible to add windows at the bottom of the hull to observe the accumulation of kelp at the front of the keel or rudder? Some owners in Southern California have installed those windows on their boats. |
| A1: | Generally kelp windows are NOT permissible for class racing. Rule 1.3 states that “no modifications or alterations are permitted unless explicitly permitted by these rules” and kelp windows are not expressly authorized. However, our class rules do not address the use of those windows for PHRF racing, for example, and fleets where kelp is an issue may want to adopt a local rule that would permit their use. If a boat with installed windows wants to race in class events using the national class rules, the windows must be disabled, for example by taping them up. |