Doing an offshore race – OSR Category 1 requirements

[Ollie Holden]

Hi,

I was idly contemplating potential next adventures for “Nutmeg”, and chanced upon the AZAB 2019 race. This really appeals to me for various reasons, and I think would be great fun to do in a Nic 38. However, the rules require ISAF Offshore Special Regulations Cat 1, which make a number of stipulations. Purpose of this post is to see if anyone else has ever had to meet offshore regulations, and if so, can help out with any info?

There are three specifics that concern me:
1. Stability – has anyone ever had the stability measured or calculated?

2. Scantlings – given the age of the boat, I dont have any certification on hull construction. Do we know if the hulls were laid up to a specific construction standard?

3. Cockpit – the cockpit sole must be at least 2% LWL above the waterline – by my simple calculations this would mean about 20 cm, vs the 2-5cm that I think the Nic38 has – has anyone ever tried to raise the sole, or get around this in any other way?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Ollie Holden
“Nutmeg of Shoreham”

[Moderator]

Hi Ollie – here some info that may help re: Q.2

The original sales brochure, which you can find on our site here, says in the specifications section:

Glassfibre hull to Lloyds 100A specification

Our hull #126 shows its Lloyds number on a plate that Halmatic mounted inside the transom. This plate is viewable from the aft deck locker.

Marilyn, moderator

[Kari and Lawrence]

Hi Olllie,

I suggest you contact the race committee, not sure about how the LOA of a Nic38 fits into there requirements but as the class is well known and recognised, some special dispensation may be available reference hull design and cockpit height above sea level!

Best of luck, Kari and Lawrence

[Ollie Holden]

Thankyou for your replies. I’m in contact with the race organisers who are trying to find any information on precedents. I can’t be the first old boat to try and enter a race like this! WIll keep you informed

[Voltair]

Hello Ollie, and good luck with the re-decking! When Voltair was in Ireland in 2003 we met a guy at Kinsale called Curt with a Nic 38 in which he had done some ocean sailing. He had raised the cockpit floor before setting off, and I think he was glad of it, having had one or two big waves aboard during the crossing. His e-mail address at that time was <happytrails@eircom.net>
One of the reasons why, having got to Gibraltar, we went into the Med rather than across the Pond, was concerns about the drainage of the centre cockpit. The guidelines from (I think) the DOT on cockpit size and drain capacity make interesting reading.
From memory, he had raised the floor about 10cm, which was about as much as he wished to do without raising the deckhouse roof as well.

[Kari and Lawrence]

Dear Olli,

Indeed, there is a problem with our design/added weight increasing waterline level to a critical level. We have only owned Nicolisa since late April, so our learning curve is quite steep at the moment. Whilst awaiting delivery and fitment of our new Harken headsail furling system. I decided to unblock her cockpit drains, as soon as I had done so, I noticed a constant wetness of the draining channels beneath the engine covers. Also greatly increased wetness of the engine bay and bilge!! I soon realised the drains were back flooding. So now the sea cockspur, for said drains remain permanently closed. I thought of raising the cockpit sole but didn’t wish to lose the associated headroom therein. As long as one has sufficient bilge pumping devices, I do not see this as a major problem but indeed RORY Raxing wouldn’t be happy with this situation and to meet their standard the cockpit sole would definitely be needed to be raised!

This problem highlights the importance of maintaining the cockpit canvas, thereby reducing ingress of water to the aforementioned area.

Happy sailing and regards, Lawrence

[Author]

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