Catalina-38 Class Racing Rules & Specifications
(Revised October 2003)
DEFINITIONS
1. CATALINA 38 YACHT
A class yacht built by Catalina Yachts to the standard Catalina 38 design by
Frank Butler, with no essential changes to the sail plan, ballast, hull form,
including keel and rudder and/or as further defined by these rules.
2. CLASS RACE
Having an exclusive start for Catalina 38 yachts racing under class rules.
3. JOINT START CLASS RACE
Starting with other classes or fleets but having all C38 yachts race under class
rules.
RULE I: ELIGIBILITY TO RACE
1. The skipper/helmsperson must be the owner of a Catalina 38 (as identified
on vessel registration) of a Catalina 38, or an immediate family member. Immediate
family member to consist of husband, wife, son or daughter.
2. He/She must be a current, paid-up member of the Catalina 38 National Association.
3. A skipper/owner as defined above, whose boat is not available for a race
may charter or borrow another qualified Catalina 38 yacht.
4. In the event that the owner is not able to be on the boat due to an unavoidable
conflict, a regular crewmember (non-MIR) may drive the boat, but only for a
maximum of one day of a 2-day event. A regular crewmember shall be defined as
a person who has crewed on that boat for a minimum of 25% of the races that
the boat has participated in the previous 12 months.
5. Only one (1) Marine Industry Racer (MIR), as defined by the Southern California
PHRF rules may be on board during any class race. This MIR, unless he/she is
a bonafide owner as defined in Part 1. above, may not be at the helm (steer)
at any time.
a. An MIR is defined in accordance with PHRF rules as sailmakers, boat designers,
boat builders, new boat dealers, or their employees.
b. The National Association defers to PHRF decisions regarding MIR status and
waivers, and also following PHRF rulings; a waiver cannot be obtained retroactively.
c. There is an appeal process for MIRs who feel they should not be classified
as such through PHRF. Persons wishing to follow this procedure should contact
PHRF for details.
d. The skipper bears the responsibility for determining crew employment and
MIR status.
6. All USSA (USYRU) Rules, U.S. Coast Guard requirements and local laws must
be adhered to, and if in conflict with the class rules, the international and
local rules and laws will take precedence.
B. SAIL SPECIFICATIONS
1. There are no restrictions on sail materials or fabrics.
2. Each boat shall be limited to two class-legal sail acquisitions per calendar
year, the exception of a new owner, who may purchase as many class legal sails
as required to equip his or her "new" boat. Purchase records must
be retained, and produced if requested. Owners may purchase any number of any
type of sails for non-class racing.
a. HEADSAILS: Maximum size of up to 155% of foretriangle, with the only restrictions
being that the LP shall not exceed 1.55 x J (24.025 feet), the luff (I) shall
not exceed a maximum of 49.80 feet and the clew must be within 12 inches of
standard upper lifeline when sheeted in. All cloth weights will be permitted
and boats can carry/use as many genoas as they choose. Staysails are not allowed.
b. SPINNAKERS: Spinnakers shall not exceed a maximum luff of 49.5 feet, or a
maximum girth of 27.9 feet. Spinnakers with no less than a true weight of .7
oz per sailmaker's yard (typical actual weight of .5 oz) are allowed. Asymmetrical
spinnakers and bloopers are not allowed.
c. MAINSAIL: The luff (P) shall not exceed a maximum of 44.00 feet, the foot
(E) shall not exceed a maximum of 11.50 feet. The mainsail must have (4) battens,
approximately equally spaced along the leach. The reefing capabilities are optional.
Only one (1) mainsail is permitted to be on board during a race.
3. Local Fleets, for specific local races only, may make exceptions to the sail
specifications.
RULE III: REQUIREMENTS: REQUIRED
EQUIPMENT ON BOARD WHILE RACING
1. Fixed bow and stern pulpits with double wire lifelines. Stanchions and upper
lifelines must be a minimum of 24 inches above deck.
2. A permanently installed bow anchor roller
3. A permanently installed head, bunks, engine, fuel tank, water tank, chart
table, galley and stove, bulkheads, doors, cabinets, lockers and drawers, and
other such standard equipment as built in by Catalina Yachts.
4. All United States Coast Guard required safety equipment.
5. An anchor at least 20 pounds in weight, at least 15 feet of ¼ inch
chain and at least 150 feet of 7/16 inch rode.
6. A working VHF radio.
7. A life ring, horseshoe, or other USCG approved throw cushion. (Man overboard
pole or strobe is not required on daytime, closed course races.)
8. The table and its supports.
9. All horizontal bunk cushions (except the forepeak cushions, which may be
removed to facilitate spinnaker handling, and the cushion that covers the table
while in the down position).
10. Sufficient engine fuel for safe operation of the vessel. (Specific amounts
may be required by the race committee).
RULE IV: PERMITTED ALTERATIONS
Unless listed below, alterations are NOT permitted.
The following changes may be made.
1. Placement of halyard winches or leads.
2. Fairing of the keel, rudder and through-hull fittings.
3. Replacement of the aluminum spinnaker pole with one made of carbon or alternate
materials.
4. Installation of a folding propeller.
5. Installation of a wheel or tiller steering.
6. Installation of a grooved headstay or foil system.
7. Installation of electronics, instruments and navigation aides.
8. Installation of a hydraulic or mechanical backstay adjuster.
9. Installation of a gasoline or diesel engine.
10. Making any additions or modifications to personalize the interiors or comfort
amenities, which are not designed to enhance or improve the sailing performance.
11. Removing the carpeting.
12. Replacement of the engine with a newer model with the closest specifications
to the original engine, and of equal or greater horsepower.
RULE V: PROHIBITED ALTERATIONS & ACTIONS
1. Use of Cunningham on the headsail.
2. Staysails or bloopers, or any sail other than those specified in Rule III.
3. The headsail tack at any position other than the stem fitting. The genoa
must be attached to the headstay in the normal manner.
4. Flying more than one headsail, unless a spinnaker is set, other than during
a genoa change.
5. Alterations to the profile of the hull, rudder or keel, except fairing as
described in Rule IV.
6. The moving of the mast at the mast step or deck. The mast must remain fixed
at the mast step and mast partners.
7. Modification to the mast, boom and spreaders, deviating from the design specifications
of Catalina Yachts.
8. The removal of any items that could impair the safe operation of the yacht
under sail or power.
Changes made since the last version of the class rules:
1. Deleted: Barber hauling. (A means of pulling the clew of the headsail inboard
or outboard of a fairlead to the toe rail or the genoa track).
2. Added: In the event that the owner is not able to be on the boat due to an
unavoidable conflict, a regular crewmember (non-MIR) may drive the boat, but
only for a maximum of one day of a 2-day event. A regular crewmember shall be
defined as a person who has crewed on t