DN NA Class

I was asked at the Westerns were my boom stripe was?  I had never heard of it or even realized that a lot of boats had them (a fair number did not).  Is there an inspection check list floating around somewhere?  It would sure make it easier to double check that my boat is in compliance before my miraculous winning of the gold cup.  I have yet to see a boat inspection, but should I screw up and actually win something, I have a feeling inspectors would be coming out of the woodwork!

Hi David.....
      I was the individual who wondered what had happened to your boom stripe.
      The check list exists in the DN specifications and interpretations.  I want to urge all DN sailors, especially those racing in regional, continental, and worlds championships to pull out the DN specifications and the interpretations of the specificiations. and check your boat end-to-end against these documents.
       It is also important to be familiar with the DN By Laws relating to regatta management and also the BY Laws relating to DN Racing Rules,  Knowing these will help you understand what is happening out on the ice and also ashore as regatta officials are dealing with the challenges of managing a big event.
       A well informed sailor is a student of the Rules of the National Iceboat Authority, not only definitiona and the sailing rules but also the rules concerning race management and protests. 
       All this information is available on the internet.  Look at https://ice.idniyra.org and a link to the NIA Rules is on www.iceboat.org
       All too many sailors racing in the 2013 Western Regional regatta failed to comply with both sailing rules and DN specs.   The most significant error I frequently saw was sailors who did not pay attention to what was happening around them.   There is a reason we have windows in the sails.  To ignore the obligation be alert and to look through the window can lead to disaster.

...Jane Pegel, DN US805
Chairperson,  IDNIYRA Technical committee
Member Board of Directors, National Iceboat Authority

Just an Friendly FYI -
We have a "Regatta Measurer" for the 2013 IDNIYRA Gold Cup and North Americans event.  In the past we relied on Technical Committee members who were also competitors to try and do this, but we have now secured a qualified individual with DN class racing and building experience to do measurements and inspections as his primary duty.
Typically, they will measure the top-5 finishing boats of each race.  If there is a postponement or delay of race, he/they may be on hand to measure items you voluntarily bring forth for a courtesy inspection.
Checking your boat now for full compliance is a great idea!  Our primary concern is to conduct a fair regatta for all - including those who are traveling all the way from europe where similar measuring practices take place.
-Kent Baker

Thanks for the comments Jane.  I was ready to respond but I'm glad it came from you.  

Too often skippers get burned on details that are printed in the specifications and bylaws.  Yes, some of this stuff is a tough read so do what I do and study a few pages at a time every day.  My building and sailing partners are always quizzing each other and acusing each other of cheating (All fun of course) But then it forces the defendent to get the year book out and read it.  We thought of putting together a "checklist" but that doesn't force you to read the details.

Your inquiry forced me to pick up my book and review where that stripe spec. was.  

At the Gold Cup and NA regatta, we may have one official checking specifications the day before the regatta starts...maybe in the pits on practice day Saturday. Voluntary by skippers request.  Templates, measuring tape, go/no go gages.  This would be a very good learning experience for those of us who have never finished in the top 5.

Richard Potcova
IDNIYRA Commodore

Thanks Jane and Rich,

I was looking for a little list with boxes to mark off, something an inspector might use.  Sort of optimistic of me that it would be that simple.  Having read the specs and interpretations numerous times, things that I haven't actually worked on/made have little sticking power.  Not having touched my boom with the exception or replacing the main sheet, details related to it barely register in this mellon.  Now that I get to break out the paint, I'll review them again, maybe this time something else will stick.

David