1. One Design nature of the Class

The essence of the Supernova Class is that it is a one design with the following additions and restrictions:

All "major components" (to be defined later) are strict one design, originating from Giles Reinforced Plastics Ltd. who may themselves utilise component providers for some parts.

The sailor should be able to set up sheeting and control systems as they wish, using fittings they choose i.e. alter minor components.

The Class Association may decide to outlaw, at any time, items (excluding the major components themselves) that, while apparently permitted under the rules it deems detrimental to the class. This might be due to the cost to other owners to "keep up", or to prevent an arms race etc.

Boats breaking these rules may not race as "Supernovas".

2. Major Components

The major components are defined to be:

Hull
Centreboard
Rudder & Stock
Mast
Boom
Sail (Full size or "Small")

These may not be changed, and care must be taken that any repairs to them do not break the "one design" philosophy of the class, for example by noticeably changing the shape or weight of a component. The class association may rule on this as required.

N0TES on the "Small" sail.

This is still a one design sail and so must originate from Giles Reinforced Plastics Ltd. The Small sail may be used as an alternative to the Full size at any time and still race as a Supernova. The PN (Portsmouth Number or other handicap number) of the Supernova with Small sail will be the same as that for the Supernova with Full size sails, except where specifically differentiated in Club racing by an assigned Club handicap number (CN).

3. Noted Measurements

It is not the intention to define each measurement of the major components. Templates are available should doubt occur, The following lists some measurements of interest:

Length (LOA) 4.39m
Beam (Max) 1.48m
Waterline length (LWL) 4.10m
Hull weight (min) 62.5Kg
Draft with dagger board up (nominal) 0.15m
Draft with dagger board down (nominal) 1.00m
Sail Area (measured)8sq. m (Full size)
Height Rigged on water 5.95m
Length of mast 5.60m
Max carrying capacity 180Kg (1 person racing) (2 persons not racing)

4. Minor fittings/rigging

All components not mentioned as major above are deemed minor.

Changes/additions in minor components is permitted subject to the "no arms race" philosophy described in the introduction and specifically protected against in the "Weasel Clause".

5. Specifically Allowed/Disallowed

This section may override general statements above and possibly Clauses in the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). Items will be added as required to protect the "one design' nature of the class as discussed elsewhere.

Allowed
Compasses, including electronic ones.

Disallowed
All methods of extending or supporting the helms' weight outboard other than standard "hiking" with toestraps. This includes all accessories which allow weight to be projected further outboard such as trapezes, sliding seats etc.
Additional ballast of any form - See also RRS restrictions.
lectronic speed, wind direction, position locating devices etc, other than compasses as mentioned.

6. Weasel Clause

The Class Association may at any time, including retrospectively, outlaw (disallow) a development, which it deems to be inconsistent with the "one design" philosophy. From this time onward a boat containing this development cannot race as a "Supernova".
This clause should be carefully used, as it not the intention to prevent minor developments which might increase speed/comfort, provided that costs are low enough to permit other owners to follow.

Issue date of these rules 1998-09-01