Class members voted overwhelmingly to allow the class rules change with voting closed at noon 13 February 2017. The proposed rule change posted on the forum was brought by the Technical Committee to the Executive Board, with a ballot mailed to all eligible voting members on 13 January .
Background:
To obtain full advantage of the recently approved in hauling rule, it would be beneficial to increase the power ratio of the jib car adjusters to allow adjustments in medium/heavy air. JBoats have indicated that if the J/109 were designed recently it would be specified with a 6:1 adjustment and with in haulers. As an example, a very simple change to the existing class legal 4:1 adjusters is to add a 2:1 cascade between the forward turning block mounted on the track and the existing cleat, creating a 8:1 adjustment (not suitable for overlapping jibs). The system is not permitted to be operated or rigged to the windward side. More information and pictures are available on the Class Forum.
The change adds this new new paragraph to the Class Rules effective 1 March 2017:
4.3.17 The maximum power ratio of the jib lead adjusters permitted is 8:1. This can be done by adding sheaves to existing tackle or, adding a 2:1 cascade to the existing 4:1 tackle. The jib lead adjustment line must use the existing cheek block and jib lead cleat on the same side as the jib car it adjusts.
