RORC Category 2 - question about companionway?

jberry

New member
Joined
8 Mar 2005
Messages
4
Visit site
Hi,

I'm trying to prep my boat (Dehler 34) for an offshore race and and I'm a little confused about the RORC regulations regarding companionways and hatches. Does anyone know the position regarding standard weatherboards?

The regs state:

3.08.4 A companionway hatch shall:
a) be fitted with a strong securing arrangement which shall be operable from the exterior and interior including when the yacht is inverted

b) have any blocking devices

i) capable of being retained in position with the hatch open or shut

ii) whether or not in position in the hatchway, secured to the yacht (e.g. by lanyard) for the duration of the race, to prevent their being lost overboard

iii) permit exit in the event of inversion

Thanks!
 

Pierrot

N/A
Joined
16 Mar 2005
Messages
41
Visit site
Weatherboards are classed as "blocking devices". So AIUI the requirements boil down two

(i) Weatherboards must be secured to the boat at all times
(ii) It must be possible to secure the weatherboards when in position so that they cannot fall out
(iii) It should be possible to remove them from inside and outside even when the yacht is upside down
 

William_H

Well-known member
Joined
28 Jul 2003
Messages
14,054
Location
West Australia
Visit site
The tricky part is securing the weatherboards in place so that they can be open from inside and out. It seems a rotating handle on each side with pegs going out into the weatherboard guides would be one way. Like a roller garage door. Or more simply perhaps a hole in the weatherboard with a lanyard through it with a cleat on the hull on each side. You would have to reach in or out to find the free end to feed through the hole then into your side to a cleat but it might be acceptable. Look at other boats to see how it is done. olewill
 

Pierrot

N/A
Joined
16 Mar 2005
Messages
41
Visit site
I have always assumed that a simple bolt on the inside satisfies this requirement - you can open it from the outside by opening the hatch and putting your hand over.

I have sailed on several boats that claim to be RORC 2 and I haven't seen any other mechanism used (but to be honest I don't recall any of them bothering to tie the washboards in either.)
 
Top