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LEEWARD ( REACHING) JIB POLES - INTERIM RULE
The existing Albacore Rules shall be interpreted as permitting the use of leeward (reaching ) jib poles. More than one pole is permitted but none shall exceed 1830 mm in length.

RATIONALE
The NAA (Great Britain) has been experimenting with the use of reduced length jib poles sheeted to leeward when reaching. While those who have tried this have generally been favourably impressed, there has been substantial controversy regarding whether or not  they are legal under our existing Albacore Rules. The International Rules Committee ( IRC ) of the IAA believes that the present Rules are, at best, ambiguous with regard to the legality of reaching poles sheeted to leeward and that a period of experimentation is worthwhile before recommendations for the necessary Rule changes should be put to the national AGMs for final approval. Thus, for a trial period, effective immediately and continuing to the national AGM in each member country of the IAA, the existing Albacore Rules shall be interpreted in accordance with this INTERIM RULE. It is hoped that Albacore sailors will experiment with leeward poles and convey their experiences and opinions to their respective national executive committees. The latter will report to the IRC through their IRC representative so that recommendations for Rule changes can be formulated in time for presentation to the 2002 AGMs. The possible choices are: a) to ban them ; b)  to make them legal ; and c) to make them legal with some restrictions applying. The IRC is interested in hearing the opinions of Albacore sailors on the relative advantages and disadvantages of leeward jib poles with particular attention to safety, cost , and effect on boat performance. The intention of this trial period is to establish recommendations for Rule changes which are based on informed judgement and can be accepted by all national members of IAA

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Updated 21 February 2002.