DABCHICK ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA

PART 7MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE FOR DABCHICK CLASS BOATS

Dabchicks shall be measured by a SAS appointed measurer. In order to achieve consistent andaccurate results the Measurers are to follow the procedure laid down here. The measurement isintended to be made in the order given on the official measurement form.The object of these instructions is to ensure that all boats are measured in exactly the same way.Equipment needed for the measurement of a Dabchick :-1)SAS measurers' stamp.2)A 5 metre tape.3)Callipers of the outside type.4)One 1.5 metre straight batten.5)Weighing machine capable of weighing up to 50kg accurate to 0.1kg.6)Copy of the class rules and the measurement form.7)A copy of the plans and the ISAF sail measurement rules may also be useful.

GENERAL

The hull shall be complete when presented for measurement. The Dabchick class yacht must bebuilt according to the class rules, the object being to ensure that all yachts in the class shall be asnearly alike as possible. The measurements shall be taken in accordance with the official rules.Measurers shall look for variations in measurements from the rules even if not specificallymentioned in the measurement schedule. Measurers may ignore normal wear and tear on oldboats if, in their opinion, the basic speed is unaffected. If the measurer considers that there hasbeen an attempt to depart from the design measurements, he is to report the matter to theAssociation. Tolerances are laid down to allow for errors in building, but intentional variationswithin these tolerances are not allowed. Unless otherwise specified all tolerances shall be within+/-15mm.To help in expediting the issue of the measurement certificate, the measurer could assist byrequiring the owner and/or builder to rectify any errors which are outside the permitted tolerances,prior to completing the measurement schedule and forwarding to SAS. If requested, the sailnumber may be allocated on completion of the hull measurements, provided there are noconstructional errors.

HULL MEASUREMENTS

The measurement must be started with the boat the right way up.The overall length is measured on the centre line of the boat.The next item is to mark the beam measurement stations on the deck.Beam measurements exclude any rubbing strake.Perimeter of one half of bow is measured round the bow from centreline to a point 3300mm fromthe transom. It is a maximum measurement.

HULL UPSIDE DOWN

Mark the positions for measurement on the bottom, making the measurements on a line parallel tothe centre line of the deck, on the centre line and sides.Use the straight edge batten, as in the diagram. Fibreglass tape over the joints should beaccommodated within the prescribed measurements.

HULL MASS

A guaranteed weighing machine should be used. The measurer must ensure that the hull is dryand free from sand etc. All loose gear, not permanently attached to the hull, must be removed

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prior to weighing.Mass correctors must be fitted adjacent to the mast step.

BOAT ON ITS SIDE

The daggerboard and rudder projections below the hull are measured on a line at right angles tothe deck centreline.

EQUIPMENT

Callipers should be used to check the thickness of the daggerboard and rudder. When measuringthe spars, it should be noted that intentionally bent spars are prohibited but this does not precludetapering.

SAILS GENERAL

Sails are to be measured in accordance with the ISAF sail measurement rules. The followingnotes are obtained from the 1993 version. In the case of doubt, the latest full instructions shouldbe referred to, or the technical committee consulted.The "sail" shall include headboard, clewboard, reinforcement, bolt ropes. It shall not include partsof fastening such as cringles, hanks, slides etc. which are outside the edges of the sail.When measured a sail shall :-be dry, not be attached to spars or rigging, have all battens removed,have just sufficient tension applied to remove wrinkles across the line of measurement beingtaken.Sails shall be made of single ply woven fibre cloth. When a woven ply is torn it will be possible toseparate the fibres without leaving evidence of film. Reinforcement of sail is permitted only at acorner of the sail and at the Cunningham.Reinforcement size is measured from the relevant corner measurement point or Cunningham.Primary reinforcement ( unrestricted number of additional ply ) for the Dabchick shall be less than250mm for all sails. Secondary reinforcement ( not more than two additional ply of the samematerial as the body of the sail ) for the Dabchick shall be less than 750mm for all sails.

DEFINITIONS:-

Head pointThe intersection of the luff extended if necessary and the line through thehighest point of the sail perpendicular to the luff.Clew pointThe intersection of the foot and the leach, each extended if necessary.Tack pointThe intersection of the foot and the luff, each extended if necessary.Mid foot pointThe point on the foot equidistant from the tack point and the clew point

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MAINSAIL

a)The length of the leech for the purpose of measurement shall be the straight line distancebetween the head point and clew point of the sail. Maximum length 3810mm.b)The midpoint of the luff shall be determined by folding the sail upon itself, with the headpoint even with the tack point.The midpoint of the leech shall be determined with the head point even with the clew point.The half height width folded shall be the distance between the midpoints of the luff and theleech with the sail laid on the floor with just sufficient tension to remove the wrinkles. Thebolt rope shall be excluded. Maximum measurement 1485mm.c)The headboard shall be measured square to the mast, excluding bolt rope and shall notexceed 115mm.d)Battens shall have a maximum length of 610mm.e)Dabchick insignia - minimum size 200 x 140 x 30 mmf)Sail numbers shall be : clearly visible, legible, and of a single colour which stronglycontrasts with the sail, capital letters and arabic numerals with line that are continuous,upright or with a slope of not less than 10:1 (10 vertical to 1 horizontal ) relative to a linethrough their base.

JIB

a)The length of the luff ( maximum 2667mm ) shall be the distance between the head pointand the tack point.b)The length of the leech ( maximum 2667mm ) shall be the distance between the head pointand the clew point.c)The length of the foot ( maximum 1473mm ) shall be the distance between the clewpointand the tack point.d)Centre measurement ( foot median )The foot mid point shall be determined with the tack point even with the clew point.The length of the centre measurement shall be taken as the distance between the headpoint and the lowest edge of the sail at the foot mid point.This measurement shall not exceed 2720mm.e)No battens or headboards are allowed.