Stewart 34 Owners Association

Class Rules

As From 26th June 2006

1. INTENT

(a) The Stewart 34 was designed to be a fast racing/cruising yacht to fulfil
the recreational needs of a sailing family for weekend and holiday cruising
and harbour and gulf racing. These class rules have been designed to preserve
the following characteristics:

1. Comfortable family cruising
2. Low cost ownership
3. Tight one-design racing

When racing as one design the intent is that all yachts will be basically equal
and that racing will be a test of sailing ability. Any attempt to alter a
yacht, its sails or its rigging except as is authorised by these rules, will
be considered a breach of these rules, both in spirit and substance.

(b) These class rules however cannot anticipate every possible situation
which may arise. Economical improvements which assist the class to continue
to progress and to be competitive are encouraged but members should discuss
such improvements with the Committee if in any doubt about the legality of
such improvements under these rules. In making alteration to the rules the
Association will follow the Stewart 34 basic philosophy, viz. a one-design
class which prohibits innovations which would give a speed advantage to any
one yacht.

In the event of any owner introducing any alternative or new idea to his
yacht, sails or rig, other than minor, that a majority of the Committee or a
majority of the owners present at an official Owners’ Meeting, considers an
innovation, such alteration or new idea shall be an innovation. The owner
then has the responsibility of endeavouring to alter the rules to include
such innovations in accordance with Rule 14 of the Constitution.

(c) It is the sole responsibility of the owner to check and see that the
yacht, its spars, sails and equipment, comply with the current class rules.
(Statements written or verbal from individuals and companies other than the
Class Measurers or Committee Members should be ignored).

(d) On receipt of a complaint in writing from a member of the Association the
Committee reserves the right to ask the Measurer or those also appointed as
measurers to check any yacht on any rules at any time. Should discrepancies
occur the Committee has the right to:

1. Debar such yacht from competing in further Stewart 34 races until the discrepancies have been made good, and
2. to allow the Chairman, Secretary and one other Committee Member, without calling a full Committee meeting, to instruct the Secretary to enter a protest against such a yacht if the time limit for such a protest has not expired.

2. HULL

All future yachts must be built to the plans and these class rules, with no
tolerance in excess of those the Measurer considers acceptable. New owners
are urged to contact the Committee before commencing construction.

(a) The notes on the plans are to be carefully observed, viz. that no
intentional deviations from the plans are permitted.

(b) The silhouette for yachts be preserved as drawn on the plan by Bob
Stewart for a wooden boat or, if of fibreglass construction, on the plan for
the G.R.P. mould. The only exception being Paragon, Pania and Pegasus (all
already built) and all fibreglass yachts to be from the moulds approved from
time to time by the Association.

(c) The minimum motor weight to be 275 lbs (124.74 kilos) including batteries
and compressor if any, and if lighter motors are used, weights equivalent to
the difference must be carried in the motor position. Batteries may be
permanently placed in any part of the boat except where they are used to bring
the motor up to weight, when they shall be placed in the motor position, but
in any event the batteries may not weigh more than 110 lbs (49.90 kilos).

(d) The most forward part of the motor must not be placed more than
11’6″ (3.51 metres) from the tuck on all future boats. In the event of
any existing boat replacing a motor the new motor shall be no more than
11’6″ (3.51 metres) from the tuck and not further forward than the
original position whichever is the greater distance.

(e) A fold-down or open transom exit from the cockpit in accordance with the
drawing attached to the official plans will be approved provided that such a
transom exit be securely closed at all times whilst racing.

(f) Sail drive auxiliary motors are permitted provided no part of the motor
or sail drive unit is further forward than 11’6″ (3.51 metres) from the
tuck.

(g) An anchor well capable of holding 1 Class anchor, chain and warp must be
installed in the bow of boats launched after 1 January 1978.

3. ACCOMMODATION AND EQUIPMENT

(a) The accommodation must be at least up to the standard drawn on the plan.
Layout is optional. Bunks must be built-in, ie pipe cot berths are not
acceptable. At least one berth to be forward of the mast. Accomodation for at
least five with full operable cruising equipment detailed below. This is the
minimum for inshore races controlled by the Stewart 34 Owners Association.
For all races run by other Clubs the offshore and coastal racing rules for
different categories as set by Yachting New Zealand shall apply

• Charts covering the race and cruising area being sailed
• One water resistant flash light
• Lead line or echo sounder
• two fenders
• Navigation lights as required by the Collision prevention rules
• One Class measured Mainsail
• One Class measured No.1 Genoa
• One Class measured No.2 Genoa
• One Class measured No.3 Genoa
• One Class measured No.1 Spinnaker (Spinnaker divisions only)
• One Class measured No.2 Spinnaker (Spinnaker divisions only)
• Set of tools including hacksaw and bolt cutters
• Bosuns chair
• Radio receiver
• Life jackets for every crew member on board
• 2 Safety Harnesses
• 5 assorted Distress flares
• 1 heaving line at least 15m in length
• 1 emergency Knife
• 1 Fuel shut off valve fitted to the Fuel Tank at the outlet
• Cabin sole (floorboards throughout)
• All cupboard doors and drawers in place
• 5 permanently installed bunks and bunk boards
• 5 sets of crockery, 5 sets of cutlery
• 1 stove
• 1 motor as per rule 2c
• 2 anchors as per rule 3b
• Correcting weights as notified by the Association
• Outward opening forward hatch and aft egress hatch
• Sea cocks or valves that can be closed when necessary
• Soft wood plugs tapered and of correct size to be attached to adjacent to the
  appropriate skin fitting
• All ballast and other heavy internal fittings (eg batteries, Stoves, gas Bottles,
  tanks, engines, anchors etc.) shall be securely fastened so as to remain
  in position in a 180 degree knockdown
• Fixed bow pulpit
• Toe rail not less than 1″ (25 mm) permanently fitted around the edge of the deck
  forward of the mast.
• Adequate hand rails on the exterior cabin top
• All gas appliances must comply with current accepted practice and a
  “remember to turn off Gas at bottle” sign visible adjacent to the appliance.
• Galley facilities including a sink
• Water tanks securely installed capable of holding 80 litres and fuel tanks capable
  of holding 25 litres. At least 4.5 litres of water to be carried in one or more container at all times
• 2 fire extinguishers readily accessible in different parts of the boat.
• One manual bilge pump of a size and capacity suitable for the yacht.
• 2 buckets each of at least 9 litres (2 gallons) capacity
• First aid kit and manual
• 1 marine type compass properly installed
• 1 marine toilet properly installed

(b) The 2 anchors, 2 chains and 2 warps included in 3(a) above (Category 4
requirements) shall weigh in total a minimum of 128 lbs (58 kilos). The
Association recommends that the anchors each weigh 25 lbs (11 kilos), each
chain to be 3 fathoms long and that each warp be 17 fathoms long. Boats are
to be weighed without the anchors, chain and warps.

4. RUDDERS

(a) All rudders in new boats to be of one of the two designs approved by the
Association and the stock position to be 2’9″ (84 cms) from the tuck.
The two approved designs are:

1. 1984 Gray Dixon design or
   the Class Design
2. 1989 plan which copies
   Prince Hal’s rudder of 1989

(b) On new yachts no skegs are permitted.

5. SAILS (see sail
regulations)

6. SPARS AND RIGGING

(a) The mast shall measure 47’6″ (14.476 metres) overall and be of
aluminium only.

(b) Masts made after 1 May 1982 must be made from extrusions weighing not
less than 3.5 lbs per foot (5.21 kilos per metre) for the bare extrusion and
track and whose maximum sectional length is not less than 6.75″ (17.15
cms) and whose maximum width is not less than 4.7″ (11.93 cms). Masts
may be tapered down to a maximum of 9′ (2.74 metres) from the top. The cut or
cuts not to exceed a total of 5″ (12.7 cms) at the sectional
circumference at the top. Metal cut from the taper need not be replaced.

(c) Black bands are to be put on spars as per R.Y.A. Rule Book. The distance
between the bands on the mast is 37’6″ (11.43 metres) The distance from
the mast to the band on the boom is 16’6″ ( 5.03 metres). In all new
boats launched after 1 November 1984 the top of the lower black band shall be
9′ (2.74 metres) from the base of the mast. On all new boats fitted after 4
December 1985 the top of the lower band to the cabin top mast pad must be
3’10″ (1.18 metres) plus of minus half an inch (1.27 cms).

(d) The forward face of the mast at deck level must be at least 11’10″
(3.61 metres) or at the most 12’6″ (3.81 metres) from the stem and a
maximum tolerance of 8″ (20.3 cms) fore and aft is allowed for adjusting
the base of the mast on the mast step. In all new yachts launched after 1
November 1984 the forward face of the mast must be 12’2″ (3.71 metres) plus
or minus 1″ (2.54 cms) from the stem of the yacht.

(e) No adjustment to the position of the base of the mast is permitted during
a Stewart 34 race.

(f) In all masts installed after 1 July 1985 the backstay must be fixed to
the top of the mast at a distance no greater than 6″ (15.25 cms)
measuring from the back of the mast to the centre of the clevis pin.

(g) In all mast installed after 1 July 1985 the forestay must be fixed to the
top of the mast at a distance no greater than 2″ ( 5.08 cms) measuring
from the front face of the mast to the centre of the clevis pin.

(h) In all masts constructed after 4 December 1985 the mast head must conform
in all aspects to the plan.

(i) For championship boats the mast rake is to be between 1-18 to 1-22, in normal
racing trim, without crew and to comply with the Committee’s measurement
procedures.

(j) There shall be one spinnaker pole 15″ (4.57 metres) overall and be
of wood and/or aluminium only.

(k) All jockey poles built after 4 December 1985 shall be 6’6″ (1.98
metres) maximum overall and shall be of wood and/or aluminium only.

(l) Bridle backstays to a maximum height of 9′ (2.74 metres) up the backstay
from the transom are permitted.

(m) Hydraulic adjusters are allowed on the backstay only.

(n) Booms shall be of aluminium only and shall measure no less than
17.2″ (5.23 metres) from the rear edge of the mast. From 13 July 1982
new booms to have a maximum depth including track of 10″ (25.4 cms). All
weight saving holes in the boom to remain uncovered.

(o) The rigging is to be as drawn on the plans and to be stainless steel or
galvanised steel.

(p) Boats may use rod in all standard rigging.

(q) Rigging screws other than on the backstay may be adjusted during a race
if desired but only by undoing the split pins, lock screws or stainless wire
which prevents them unwinding. Ratchet adjustable rigging screws or similar
are prohibited.

(r) The chain plates shall be in the position as drawn on the plans and no
more than 3″ (7.62 cms) inside the hull’s exterior surface.

(s) The length of every crosstree measured from the face of the mast is 4′
(121.91 cms). On all new boats from 4 December 1985 the spreaders shall be
raked 12.5″ (31.75 cms) plus or minus half an inch (1.27 cms) from the
back face of the mast to the aft face of the cap shroud. Spreaders shall be
fixed.

(t) The spreaders shall be fitted no more than 20’6″ (6.25 metres) and
no less than 19’3″ (5.87 metres) from the top of the mast and in new
mast the spreaders shall be fitted 27’3″ (8.31 metres) from the foot of
the mast or 20’3″ (6.17 metres) from the top.

(u) The cap shroud can be no more than 12″ (30.48 cms) from the top of
the mast.

7. KEEL

(a) All keels built after 21 August 1979 to be constructed of timber in
accordance with the plans using lead ballast. The lead shall weigh not more
than 30.5 cwt (1550 kilos) and no less than 29.5 cwt. (1498.7 kilos) and
shall be the shape shown on the drawing and in the position shown in the
drawing. All lead ballast for keels shall be moulded from plaster moulds
taken from the wooden plug built in 1981 by John Rea (boat builder). The lead
ballast in all keels built after 1 November 1984 shall be 30 cwt. (1524
kilos) plus or minus 20 lbs (9.07 kilos).

(b) Internal ballast of lead, pig iron or similar is not permitted except as
in hull 2c and 18.1 and 18.2.

8. LIFELINES

(a) Each yacht must have a pulpit

(b) The Class must conform to the RNZYS safety regulations in this respect.

(c) All pushpits, pulpits and staunchions shall be constructed of stainless
or galvanised steel.

9. SCANTLINGS

A scantling list will be supplied with the plans setting down the minimum
sizes to be used.

10. ANTIFOULING

Antifouling paint must be used at all times when racing.

11. INSTRUMENTS

Electronic instruments of any kind are allowed provided however that only
knotmeters, depth sounders and compasses are used during Class Championship
races.

12. HATCHES

All yachts must be fitted with a forward and aft egress hatch.

13. WINCHES

No more than 8 winches excluding anchor winches are allowed on the yacht and
the winches must be no more than two speed with a power ratio of not more
than 48 to 1.

14. SHEETS AND BRACES

Sheets and braces may be of any material the owner wishes.

15. MEASUREMENT

(a) The Association may from time to time appoint a Class Measurer and in the
absence of any appointment his functions shall be performed by Executive
Committee.

(b) All yachts shall be subject to measurement for compliance with the Class
Rules and it will be mandatory for a new yacht to obtain a compliance
certificate from the Measurer or Committee before entering a Stewart 34 race.
Measurement Certificates are subject to review, cancellation or renewal and
the yachts are liable for inspection at any time.

(c) A fee fixed from time to time by the Association shall be payable for
measuring.

16. INSPECTIONS

It is mandatory that the Committee shall organise at least one spot check of
those yachts racing in the Championship and Handicap Series each summer
season before or after a race and take action as under 1(d).

17. REPLACEMENT OR ALTERATION

Should the owner of an existing yacht wish to replace or alter any part of
his yacht, it’s spars, rigging or sails that do not strictly comply with
these Rules, such alteration or replacement must be completed as per these
Rules and certified by the Measurer.

18. WEIGHT

1. The minimum all up weight of all yachts including only the gear listed in
Rule 3 Accommodation plus one only of the following sails: Mainsail, No.1
Genoa, No.2 Genoa, No.1 Jib, No.1 Spinnaker, No.2 Spinnaker and nothing else
be 10,350 lbs (4,694.68 kilos) the weight shortfall shall be permanently
placed in the yacht as in 18.2(a), 18.2(b) and 18.3 below.

2A. All future fibreglass hulls including only two bulkheads must weigh a
minimum of 1950 lbs (884.5 kilos) and all future deck and cabin mouldings
bare and excluding joining materials for hull and deck must weigh a minimum
of 1050 lbs (476.27 kilos). The weights must be certified by a Class measurer
using a weighbridge where possible and fibreglassing must be in strict
accordance with the Specifications for Stewart 34 yachts as approved by the
Association and the Marine Department, supervised by an Association appointed
surveyor. The official fibreglass moulder, if after having built a hull and
deck in full accordance with the Stewart 34 Specifications as approved by the
Marine Department, finds that such hull and deck is lighter than the
prescribed weight, shall affix lead adjusting weights up to a maximum of 130
lbs (58.97 kilos) to the hull and 150 lbs (67.89 kilos) to the deck. Such adjusting
weights to be fibreglassed in place. If the maximum allowed weight has been
added to either hull or deck and the minimum weight for either is not
reached, that hull or deck is not to be approved.

(a) For the hull above the waterline 50% of the adjusters forward of the main
bulkhead and 50% aft of the companionway bulkhead.

(b) For the decks attached to the hull at gunwale height 50% forward of the
main bulkhead and 50% aft of the companionway bulkhead.

2B. Balsa core construction to standards approved by the Stewart 34
Association and the Marine Department shall be permitted for hull
construction subject to being fully in accordance with Rules 18.1 and 18.2.

3. Future hulls must be constructed only in timber or fibreglass or balsa
core as per Specifications. Timber shall be less than 38 lbs per cubic foot
(0.4878 kilos per cubic metre) density at moisture content not exceeding 15%.
Weight adjusters to be fixed permanently to the satisfaction of the
Committee. A register of weight adjusters to be kept.

19. TANKS

Tanks capable of carrying minimum of 20 gallons of water and 6 gallons of
fuel must be permanently installed in all new boats retrospective to 1 July
1981. The rule will apply to all boats undertaking alterations to fuel and
water tanks.

20. RULE MEETING

It is mandatory that an Owners rule Meeting be held up to two months prior to
the Annual General Meeting each year to ensure that the principles of Rule 1
regarding intent and economic improvements be held.

21. CERTIFICATE

All owners must carry a current certificate on board their boat, on the
reverse of which is noted the weight and placement of any lead correction and
all equipment which must be on board in excess of the Class Rules.

22. CREW LIMITS

The maximum number of crew on board for Championship races for the Spinnaker
and non – spinnaker divisions shall be fixed at each Annual General Meeting.
If this is not done, the maximum shall be eight for the spinnaker
division and five for the non spinnaker division.