Harken has recently made changes their winch product line. They have discontinued the 32B that has been one of the mainstays of the winches used as primaries, and replaced it in their product line with the Radial 35.2 PTA . Also the model 16 that has been a common secondary winch for the class has been replaced by the model 20. Both the 32B and 16 are no longer in production and there is very limited to no availability of either winch.
We have processed an emergency rule change through ISAF to allow:
1. The Harken Radial 35.2 PTA winch which has a drum diameter of 79.4 mm. The existing class rule accommodates the 32.2 winch 75 mm drum diameter but not the 35.2.
2. The Harken model 20 winch which has a drum diameter of 73.4 mm. The existing class rule accommodates the 16 winch 70 mm drum diameter but not the 73.4 mm of the model 20.
Following is the text of the rule change issued by ISAF:
The following amendments to the Class Rules have been approved to be effective 16th July 2010 by the Class Rules Sub Committee.
Class Rule 3.8.3 (Fixed fittings and equipment to be carried when racing) Amendment.
Change the following sentence to read as follows:
Two primary sheet winches positioned on deck between the mainsheet traveller and the aft face of the forward end of the cockpit well with a drum diameter not exceeding 80mm.
Class Rule 6.1.2 (Optional Equipment) Amendment:
Change the following sentence to read as follows
Two secondary winches with a drum diameter not exceeding 74 mm. These may be used to sheet the tails of all running rigging.
Lorne Chapman
International Technical Committee