BRAZIL F-20/NACRA-20 CLASS ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK
(Published may 15th, 2007)
This handbook includes the Class Rules for F-20/NACRA-20 Catamarans. These Class
Rules are effective as of May 15th, 2007 and have been authorized by INTERNATIONAL
NACRA-20 CLASS ASSOCIATION.
As stated in the F-20/NACRA-20 Class Rules, each class is intended to be a strict
one-design class. A certain degree of latitude in the Class Rules permits skippers
to rig their boats to their personal liking for convenience in sailing. However,
the Class Rules do not permit any alterations that will make a standard factory
boat less competitive than other boats. F-20/NACRA-20 sailors shall adhere to these
Class Rules when racing as a one-design class and/or Portsmouth open class. Unlimited
events such as long distance races and demonstration events may make exceptions
to these Class Rules provided that sailors are notified in the Notice of Race. The
one-design Class Rules shall be followed at all regional, national, and world championship
regattas.
Any questions regarding these Class Rules must be submitted in writing.
Please send questions to the Brazilian F-20/Nacra-20 Class Association at Rua Barão
do Triunfo, 550, Sala 95, São Paulo, SP 04602-002, BRAZIL.
The F-20/Nacra-20 F20 is also refered to as F-20/Nacra-20 20 and Inter 20.
1. OBJECT OF CLASS RULES
1. 1 The F-20/NACRA-20 Class Catamarans are each a one-design manufacturers class.
The rules, official plans and specifications are intended to ensure that the catamarans
of these classes are, as nearly as possible, the same in regards to shape, weight
of hulls, daggerboards, rudders, spars, sails, and that the equipment is simple,
functional and
dependable. The ultimate intent is to encourage the use of only racing tactics and
sailing skill to increase boat speed.
2. PROTECTION F-20/NACRA-20 CLASS DESIGNS
2. 1 THE HULLS. Daggerboards, rudders, stocks, standing rigging, spars and sails
are strictly controlled except as specified in these rules. Interpretations of these
rules shall be given by Performance Cats do Brasil (P.C.B.), in consultation with
proper committees of the International Nacra-20 Class Association (hereinafter referred
to as INCA) . In the event of a conflict between rules, official plans, measurement
form and/or measurement diagram, the matter shall be referred to INCA. (NOTE: To
doubly guard against "loophole destruction" of these fine F-20/NACRA-20
Class Catamarans and their potential for lasting racing pleasure, every deviation
from past practice or precedent which is not specifically spelled out by plans,
specifications or Design Rule is assumed illegal until approved and thus recorded
in writing by those administering the Class Designing Rules.)
2. 2 MOLDS. All molds, patterns and templates for the hulls, daggerboards, and rudders
shall be constructed solely by Performance Catamarans, Inc., USA (P.C.) or P.C.B.
or the builders licensed for that purpose by P.C. , Inc, for F-20/NACRA-20 construction.
2. 3 ALTERATIONS TO MOLDS. No alterations shall be made to any molds, official patterns
or templates.
2. 4 CONTROL OF MOLDS. All molds shall be pulled from the official class plugs maintained
by P. C., Inc. and P.C.B., and shall not be modified in shape except to fair any
surface imperfections.
3. HULLS, DAGGERBOARDS AND RUDDERS
3. 1 THE MANUFACTURE of hulls, daggerboards and rudders is strictly controlled by
P. C. Inc. and P.C.B. Licenses to build these components are issued by P. C., Inc.
, for F 20/NACRA-20]
3. 2 ALTERATIONS TO HULL, DAGGERBOARDS AND RUDDERS. Grinding, planning, sanding
and/or application of putty, fillers and coatings on the outside surface are permitted
provided that it is undertaken to fair local imperfections in these surfaces or
to improve the surface finish and not to alter the intended shape of any surface.
3. 3 HULL WEIGHT. The hull weight may not be reduced by removing any material except
for the installation of inspection ports. A maximum of three inspection ports per
hull are allowed. Inspection ports are not permitted forward of the main beam. None
may have an opening larger than six inches.
3. 4 RUDDERS. The rudder and rudder stock assembly, including the method of attachment
to the transom is not to be modified. Rudders may be raked to attain helm balance.
Rudders can not be modified and must be supplied by P.C.B.
3. 5 DAGGERBOARDS. The top of the daggerboard may not be inserted below the hand
well. The shape and length may not be changed. No part of the daggerboard or daggerboard
well may be removed or added for the purpose of varying rake. All daggerboards manufactured
by P.C. Inc and P.C.B. are legal for racing except ones which require modification
of daggerboard or daggerboard well to accommodate them.
4. SPARS
4. 1 CONSTRUCTION. The material, method of construction and design of the spars
shall be in accordance with these rules and official Spar Plan. The mast, spreader,
boom, beam, tiller and tiller tie bars shall be fabricated only by P.C. Inc. and/or
P.C.B. or builders licensed by P. C. , Inc., for F-20/NACRA-20.
4. 1a Material Carbon mast by a licensed builder is allowed.
4.2 MAST. The extrusion length and position of the mast head, mast hound, jib halyard
strap eye, spreader and mast base are not to be altered in any manner. The gooseneck
and diamond wire tangs may not be moved from the factory supplied position. Rotator
arm may not be relocated, control system is open.
4.3 SPREADERS. The spreader arm lengths may not be altered. F-20/NACRA-20 adjustable
rake spreaders are allowable on all models. The diamond wires are to be securely
attached at the spreader ends.
4.4 BOOM. The boom shall be constructed of Aluminum, and the extrusion length and
the method of attachment to the gooseneck are not to be altered. The mainsheet blocks
are to be hung from permanently fixed bales. Bales may not be affixed aft of the
original position. All other running rigging hardware is a class legal option on
the F-20/NACRA-20, when supplied by a licensed builder.
4.5 BRIDLE FOILS AND JIB LOWERING SYSTEMS. Bridle foils and jib lowering systems
are not allowed and are considered not class legal.
4.6 MAIN BEAM. The aluminum extrusion length, mast step and dolphin striker assembly
are not to be altered. Internal controls may be installed.
4.7 REAR BEAM. The aluminum extrusion length may not be altered with the following
exceptions: internal controls limited to crew restrainer systems only.
4.8 TILLERS, TILLER TIE BAR AND EXTENSION. Tillers and tiller tie bar may be shortened.
Tiller extensions (hiking sticks) and design are optional.
4.9 SPAR WEIGHT. No holes may be drilled, filed or cut into any
manufacturer supplied component, spar or casting for the purpose of
reducing weight.
5 RIGGING
5.1 CONSTRUCTION. All standard rigging (including diamond wires) shall conform with
the wire types and, diameters shown in the manufacturers rigging schedule, wire
diameters shall not be less than those shown in the rigging schedule. Running rigging
and associated blocks, shackles, and cleats are not controlled except as specified
in these rules. Rope tails on halyards are permitted. Jib halyards may not be led
internally in the mast. Halyards must be long enough to raise and lower sails while
the boat is in an upright position. (NOTE: wire length is measured from bearing
point to bearing point.)
Rigging Schedule
F-20/NACRA-20
Wire type Minimum Wire Diameter Lengths
Shrouds 1 x 19 5/32
Forestay 1 x 19 5/32
Diamond Wires 1x19 1/8
Jib Halyard 7x19 1/8
Trapeze Wires 1x19 3/32
Bridle 1x19 5/32
5.2 MAIN AND JIB LUFF tension systems are optional but may not be led inside the
mast.
5.3 TRAPEZE. Double trapeze is allowed. No continuous trapeze systems are
allowed.
5.4 FOOT STRAPS, SAFETY LINES, or the like may be added to assist the crew to trapeze.
Hiking assist inboard is optional.
5.5 ALTERATIONS. Lengths of bridle wires are not to be altered. Jib tack attachment
may not be below bridle intersection. The forestay or its extension is to be attached
at the bridle intersection. The forestay, shrouds, and diamond wires shall not be
adjusted while racing.
5.6. EQUIPMENT may be added or changed to conform with current or previously supplied
F-20/NACRA-20 series production equipment. All such equipment supplied by P.C. Inc.
or P.C.B. shall be considered class legal.
5.6a Main sheet purchase may not exceed 10:1 on any boat. Multiplier or fine tuning
systems (Magic Blocks) are illegal.
5.6b Trampolines; all boats must be equipped with an F-20/NACRA-20 licensed trampoline.
Hiking straps, spinnaker and equipment bags may be added or altered. Up to 8 grommets
or straps may be added as gear attachment points. No other modifications are allowed.
The tramp size, shape, and method of attachment to the hulls or beams may not be
altered.
5.6c Downhaul may not exceed 8:1 purchase.
5.6d Jib control system may be original F-20/NACRA-20 equipment or F-20/NACRA-20
licensed self tacking jib control system.
6. SAILS AND BATTENS
6.1 CONSTRUCTION. The material, method of construction and design of the sails shall
be in accordance with the sail plan. The sails shall be built for F-20/NACRA-20
from patterns and sail cloth approved by P.C.B.. Sails shall be fabricated by builders
licensed by P.C., Inc. and P.C.B., for F-20/NACRA-20. Battens may be of wood, carbon,
foam fiberglass or fiberglass. A set may consist of a combination of these types.
All batten pockets must contain battens while racing, the only exception being a
torn sail which loses a batten or battens during a race from a damaged batten pocket.
(Only one batten per pocket is permitted.)
6.2 ALTERATIONS. The mainsail can not be re-cut. The jib sail and spinnaker
may not be re-cut. Windows, tell-tale windows, and chart pockets are optional. Class
insignias may not be repositioned or altered in any manner. A minor repair to the
sail may be done by a local sail maker as long as there is no alteration to the
original shape or sail design. Any sail extremely damaged (panel replacement) and/or
requiring seam repair
must be repaired and re-measured by a P.C.B. licensed sail maker.
6.2a Sail reinforcement. Load straps may be applied to the following corners,
head, clew, tack and cunningham on the main, jib and spinnaker. Straps may not exceed
12 inches from bearing surface. Chafing strips may be added to mainsail batten pockets
where they come in contact with the shrouds. Spreader patches are allowed.
6.2b F-20/NACRA-20 licensed jib clew plate may be added in lieu of the clew grommet
supplied on all jib sails prior to March 1, 2002.
6.2c Reef points are not allowed .
6.2d Leech line may be added to the jib, maximum line size of 1/8’ in diameter.
Any type polyesters or aramids family of lines may be used.
6.3 LUFF ROPE. The entire mainsail luff rope must be in the mast luff grooves.
6.4 Number of sails allowed in an event; one mainsail, one spinnaker and one jib
if applicable. Changes allowed in an event do to damage, either major repairs or
replacement can only be done with jury approval.
7. CREW: Class legal minimums.
7.1 Minimum Live Sailing Weight, Minimum Sailing Weight, corrector weight location
and method of fixation;
7.1a Minimum Sailing Weight shall be the weight of the crew at registration,
dressed in shorts / t-shirt or swim suit, and barefoot. Normal undergarments
may also be worn with the aforementioned clothing.
The F-20/NACRA-20 20 Minimum Live Weight shall be 130kgs consisting of a minimum
of two (2) persons.
7.1b Minimum Sailing Weight shall be the Minimum Live Weight plus corrector weights
if necessary.
The F-20/NACRA-20 20 Minimum Sailing Weight shall be 155kgs; however, for crews
requiring more than 12 kgs plus 1/2 of the additional weight required need
be carried.
7.1c Corrector Weights; corrector weights shall be attached to the outside of the
main beam or within 1 foot aft of the main beam on or in the hulls or trampoline.
Weights shall be securely attached to the boat and shall not be moved while
racing. Attachment shall be with tape, or by tying with line led thru the weights.
Screws, rivets, nuts and bolts are not allowed. Weights must be easily accessible
and easy to remove for check-weighing.
.
7.2 Boat Weight. The F-20/NACRA-20 20 shall have no minimum class weight, but there
are no alterations allowed to standard construction for the purpose of reducing
weight from the manufacturer-supplied condition.
8.0 SAFETY EQUIPMENT. All F-20/NACRA-20 catamarans must carry safety equipment as
required by the U. S. Coast Guard while racing.
8.1 One U. S. Coast Guard approved PFD must be worn by each crewmember while racing.
8.2 A righting line of 3/8" minimum diameter and 14' minimum length.
9.0 SPINNAKERS, POLES, AND RIGGING
9.1 Spinnakers are considered class legal for F-20/NACRA-20 sanction regattas, spinnakers
shall be fabricated by builders licensed by P.C., Inc. for F-20/NACRA-20.
9.2 POLES. F-20/NACRA-20 stock poles may be changed to optional factory carbon pole.
9.2a Any Snuffer is considered class legal if purchased through P.C., Inc. or P.C.B.
The spinnaker tack distance from the front beam must remain the same.
9.3 Rigging spinnaker attachment points bale, hound, etc. shall not be modified
from stock configuration. All lines and blocks are left to the boat owner.
10. WARRANTY. Modifications allowed by these class rules may not necessarily be
covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Modifications outside of the class rules,
such as larger spinnaker, will void the manufacturer's warranty.
11. COMMUNICATIONS, RULE INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENTS
11.1 Valid questions regarding these rules must be mailed to INCA headquarters.
11.2 Class rules may vary slightly from one country to another. Do not
assume that the rules that apply for the Brazil F-20/Nacra-20 Class will apply in
another country. Be certain to familiarize yourself with the class rules of the
country in which you are competing. A licensed F-20/NACRA-20 20 builder in another
country may modify the INCA class rules for that country provided that they have
been approved by INCA.
11.2a P.C.B. reserves the right to make changes to the class rules, if the class
membership falls below fifty active class members.
11.2b Class voting is to be held only by active class members, which are class members
prior to the issue being voted on. An active class member is an F-20/Nacra-20 class
boat owner, whose annual class dues have been paid.
11.2c Annual Class Dues cover membership from January 1st through December 31st
of the year paid.
11.3 For International Events, the class rules will be approved by INCA and P.C.,
Inc., the manufacturer, and listed in the racing instructions.
11.4 INCA consists of a governing board of directors, fleet directors, and an official
rules and policies committee.The Brazil F-20/Nacra-20 Class rules are governed by
the P.C.B.
11.4a Rule changes. A proposal must be presented to the class to amend an existing
class rule or a change in the boat design. Send a detailed letter to the Rules and
policies committee. Ballot wording and content is the responsibility of the Rules
and Policies Committee.
The Brazilian F-20/Nacra-20 Class Association address is:
Rua Barão do Triunfo, 550
Sala 95
São Paulo, SP 04602-002
BRAZIL
Performance Cats do Brasil (P.C.B.) address is:
Rua Barão do Triunfo, 550
Sala 95
São Paulo, SP 04602-002
BRAZIL
Performance Catamarans, Inc., USA (P.C.) address is:
1800 East Borchard Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
U.S.A.
The INCA address is:
International Nacra-20 Class Association
1800 East Borchard Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
U.S.A.