GP 42 Rule Changes for 2011

The International GP42 Association announces several innovations to the class rules that for the 2011 season and beyond will reduce operating costs while not compromising on the high-performance nature of the world’s fastest offshore-capable 42-footer. These include some structural changes to the boat as well as new limits on crew, sails, and coaching assistance.

The changes for 2011 include the following:

• Allowance of a removable bowsprit of a maximum length from 1.5 to 1.7 metres. The final length will be determined from a study of existing designs and optimization to sail design and rating rule parameters;

• The change to bowsprits anticipates use of larger gennakers and a reduction of crew needed for downwind crew work. Therefore a lower crew weight limit will be imposed from 800 kg to 720 kg plus the addition of one mandatory on board guest. This reduces the number of crew onboard by one. The guest will be restricted to the stern section of the boat and not allowed to hike with legs outboard;

• Sails will be limited to seven per year, down from the existing nine. These will be 1 mainsail, 3 jibs, 2 gennakers, and 1 staysail, plus one free sail of any type.

• No outside assistance will be allowed before racing, except to transfer guests.

In addition to these approved changes, square-top mainsails may also be adapted, depending on the participation of teams who have already made this change to their boats and are currently racing outside the Audi MedCup. A change in bulb weight to compensate for the change in crew weight has been deemed unnecessary, given the addition of the onboard guest.

Once finalized and approved by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), these changes are intended to remain unchanged until 2014, giving a measure of stability to the class and preserving the value of the existing designs.