YACHTS AND YACHTING. 109 



THE 2i RATERS. 



By a. E. Jones, Ex-Commodoee S.Y.C. 



The idea of having 2^ raters in connection with the Shanghai Yacht Club was 

 started by those enthusiastic yachtsmen, Mr. Duncan Glass and the late Mr. W. G. Moore, 

 and the first step towards giving effect to the project was at a meeting of the S.Y.C, held 

 on 25th November, 1891, when a Committee, consisting of the late Captains R. W. Croal and 

 J. P. Roberts, the late Mr. W. G. Moore and the writer of these notes, was appointed to draft 

 rules for submission at a later meeting. With the view of making the class a popular one 

 the main points aimed at were moderate cost and the development of a good serviceable 

 style of boat rather than the mere racing machine. The following rules now in force are, 

 with one or two slight changes, the same as were originally adopted : — 



RULES FOR 2J RATING CLASS. 



1. — ^The size to be 2.5 rating. 



2. — Rating to be length in feet over all x sail area in square feet -^ 6,000. 



The length to be measured so as to include every part of the boat either above or below the L. W. L. 

 (rudder excepted). The sail area to be measured in accordance with the Y. R. A. rules. 



Catamarans or double-hull boats are excluded from the class. 



4. — The boats to be of wood, either carvel or clench work, and with no restriction as to decking. A single 

 layer of copper or metal sheathing to be allowed, but it shall not exceed in weight 16 ounces to the square foot. 



5. — No outside ballast to be allowed except the centre-board or boards, the total weight of which shall 

 not exceed 400 lbs. Centre-boards can be made of either iron or wood. If constructed of iron, thickness not to 

 exceed | inch. 



6. — The draught of water not to exceed 3 feet with centre-board up, rudder not included and without crew. 



7. — All ballast to be carried inside the boat and to be removable. No metal other than iron allowed; 

 "shifting ballast" not allowed. 



8. — The number of persons on board (including crew) not to exceed five. 



9. — There shall be no time allowances except as provided in Rule 10. 



10. — Subject to compliance with all these rules (Rule 1 excepted) the present existing boats, viz., the 

 Rosetta, MascoUe and Alone, shall be eligible to race with the class under Y. R. A. time allowances for difference in 

 rating, but after once entering they will not be allowed to change their rating. 



11. — Each owner of a boat in this class shall pay a yearly subscription (including ordinary subscription) of 

 $15, which shall entitle his boat to start in all the ordinary races of the class during the season without further 

 entrance fee. 



12. — Any owner or part owner of more than one boat in the class can enter only one boat for a race, and 

 the entry must be made in writing to the Hon. Secretary at least three days before the race. 



13. — Except under Rule 12 no special entry will be required. A start under racing flag will be taken as 

 entry for the race. 



14. — It is understood that these rules are to be interpreted in the spirit of their intention, viz., to place 

 all the boats (so far as possible) on an equality for the purpose of racing. Should, therefore, any unprovided-for 

 variation be made, in construction or otherwise, which the Committee of the Club consider is a departure from 

 the general intention of these rules, the Committee shall have power to take such action as to penalising or even 

 excluding the boat concerned as may appear to them fair. 



