Section L - Other Rules
MR CALL L3
Rule 49.1, Crew Position; Lifelines
Question 1
One competitor on Yellow holds on to the leeward jib sheet and another one holds
on to the main sail sheet when hiking out. Does Yellow break rule 49.1?
Answer 1
No. A working sheet is not a device designed to position the body outboard.
Question 2
Does Yellow (a boat without lifelines) break rule 49.1 when competitors use any of
the following to help extend their bodies outboard?
The windward, non-working, jib sheet; the barber hauler; the vang control
line; the mainsheet traveller line; the backstay control line; the shrouds or
other elements of standing rigging
Answer 2
Rule 49.1 does not prohibit competitors from using working sheets or control lines
to position their bodies outboard.
Unless specifically prohibited by the event’s sailing instructions (rules for handling
the boats) it is also permissible for competitors to use the shrouds or hand rails to
position their bodies outboard.
The use of lazy (non-working) sheets and control lines for hiking breaks rule 49.1.
Question 3
A competitor on Yellow holds a foot under the traveller bridge. Does Yellow break
rule 49.1?
Answer 3
No. A traveller bridge is not a device designed to position the body outboard. Using
the traveller bridge (or other fixed features of the boat) without modifications that
aid projecting the body outboard is permitted.