Rule 10.5

[Robert Durrell]

Vipers,

We are considering incorporating a Viper 640 into our sailing program (as well as continuing our Opti program) and would like some clarification and feed back on Rule 10.5 (Coaching).  As a father and a Coach, I know, for best results, that I should not directly coach my children.  Therefore, what are the guidelines and exclusion to on the water coaching for a Jr. Viper Crew, or a Jr. Viper crew with one adult onboard before and after a race?

Thank you,

Robert

[Ed "Buttons" Padin, Class Administrator]

Robert, the new Class Rule 10.5 was put into effect to prevent Viper regattas from becoming arms races and, technically, does not discriminate between juniors and adults. If juniors are going to sail in a Viper regatta, they must adhere to all the same rules as adults. As you see in the second sentence, however, if a coach is willing to help more than one boat and gets prior approval, it is ok. That was written originally so that a coach can work with multiple sailors in an effort to get the bottom of the fleet more competitive.

10.5 Private on the water coaching is not permitted at Class sanctioned events at any time on
race days. A Viper Class Coach boat specifically approved in writing by the Class Executive
Committee, or by a Regatta Organizing Committee designated by the relevant Class Regional
Executive Committee, may provide coaching to a wide range of competitors to enhance all
competitors' enjoyment of the event. (Effective Date: June 1, 2020)

This probably isn't the answer you were looking for but that's how I interpret the rule.

Buttons Padin
Viper Class Administrator

[Peter Beardsley]

Buttons' interpretation is likely accurate, and the workaround surely is accurate - if you email everyone in advance and say you're happy to take pics and support other boats between races, I'd think that is sufficient (in my personal opinion) - obviously in-boat coaching is not prohibited if you or any other coaches are sailing with your children - this is only to deal with a situation where there are 20 Vipers and 12 separate coachboats - there are other classes with that vibe and the Vipers are consciously trying to avoid it.  It does raise the question to me of wondering what Sam Vasquez & Co. do in the GYA for Junior Capedievelle events - maybe Sam can chime in with some thoughts on what they do and how it is working.

[Justin S]

Rule 10.5 has now become Rule 10.3 (a) and (b).  Here is a brief overview of how this rule works and how it interacts with Rule 41 in the RRS.

Rule 41 in the RRS of sailing effectively prevents OTW coaching during racing.

Rule 41 "A boat shall not receive help from any outside source"
Rule 41 is in Part 4 of the RRS. The intro of Part 4 explains that "Part 4 rules apply only to boats racing", so Rule 41 is not in effect in between races.  Thus Rule 41 does not prevent coach boats interacting with boats in between races.

IVCA Rule 10.3 (a) prohibits OTW coaching before, during or in between races during a SANCTIONED regatta.   Note that this only applies to sanctioned Regattas. The Class Exec publishes a list of sanctioned regattas each year. It includes World Championship, National Championships, Regional Championships(Pacific Coast Championships etc) and a few iconic events such as Miami Bacardi Week etc.

Rule 10.3 (a) Does not apply to non class sanctioned events.  Rule 41 always applies in racing. So for a local non-sanctioned regatta, you are allowed to coach your junior Viper crew before and after each race but not during a race.

Rule 10.3 (b) can override RRS 41 and IVCA 10.3 (a).   In this limited exclusion, a coach boat can be provided at a Sanctioned Regatta to provide coaching before and after each race.  If the SIs state that 10.3(b) changes Rule 41, the coach boat can also provide coaching during a race.

The 10.3 (b) exemption is not granted lightly. Permission for a 10.3 (b) coach boat at a Sanction Class Regatta must be obtained in writing from the Executive Committee.  The requirement for permission in writing is prevent any impression of a loop hole that allows private coach boats at our most important regattas.   

Our Class has always thrived on a philosophy that an enjoyable regatta embraces a learning opportunity.  So when we first started organizing regattas, we created rule 10.3 (b) to allow for a Viper Class Association coach boat, with the Viper flag , so that we could help welcome and encourage all Viper owners with helpful tips and pointers.  In order to get a 10.3 (b) permit, you must demonstrate to the EC that the provided coach boat will help anyone who is lacking pace or needs some tactical advice. The 10.3(b) coach boat cannot only provide advice to sailors from a specific club, or sailors with a particular sail maker.  It must be genuinely class coaching to help anyone from the middle and back of the fleet. 

A non-sanctioned event does not need a 10.3 (b) exemption.
If you do receive a 10.3 (b) exemption,  your OA should make sure it is in the SIs and preferably in the NoR as well.   

The 2022 WACC has received a 10.3 (b) exemption and we will be providing a coach boat on Saturday, which will be staffed by a category 3 professional coach, so it is a great chance to get some learning and coaching, which will likely also be around for Fridays practice if we have enough boats.