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Wayfarer International Class Rules
effective 1 April 2013
Updated 2 April 2016

Authority: Wayfarer International Committee
Please note:
Length measurements are in millimetres (with Imperial in brackets).
Weight measurements are in kilograms (with pounds in brackets).
Volume measurements are in litres (with English gallons in brackets)

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22. Thwarts and Benches	23. Floorboards
24. Shroud Plates	25. Hull Weight
26. Mast	27. Boom
28. Spinnaker, Asymmetric Pole and Jib Stick	29. Rigging
SECTION G - SAILS
G1. Parts	G2. General
G3. Mainsail	G4. Headsail
G5. Not in use	G6. Spinnaker
SECTION IV - GENERAL
34. Buoyancy	35. Special Prohibitions
36. Class Number	37. Crew
38. Class Signal	Dispensations
Interpretations	Buoyancy

...

22. THWARTS AND BENCHES

22.1 Centre thwart. (Wood boats only). Height of upper surface above hog. 432 +/- 26 (1’5” +/- 1”).

22.2 Side Benches.

(a) Shall be slatted, and in accordance with official drawings applying to specific version of boat.

(b) Overall plan width. 204 (8”) minimum. (Wayfarer World and Mk IV excluded). (Mk III only) Overall plan width 191 (7½”) min.

(c) Thickness. 19 (¾”) minimum. (Wayfarer World and Mark IV excluded).

(d) Distance between inner edges of opposite side benches. 991 (3’3”) maximum. (Wayfarer World and Mark IV excluded).

(e) Forward side benches shall be fitted in position when racing. Aft side benches may be removed.

(f) (Wayfarer World and Mark IV only). Shall be from the official mould as specified in the approved drawings.

23. FLOORBOARDS (Wayfarer World, Mark IV and SD versions excluded).

23.1 Position. Shall be fitted when racing, but shall be removable.

23.2 Material. Shall be plywood or G.R.P. of minimum thickness 8 (5/16”). Solid timber stiffening or framing permitted.

23.3 Number. Not more than three on each side of the centreline.

23.4 Apertures permitted for access to fixings and fittings and for finger holes where reasonable.

24. SHROUD PLATES

24.1 Distance from outside transom to centre of pin hole in each shroud plate. 2743 (9’0”) maximum.

24.2 Distance athwartships between centres of pin holes in opposite shroud plates. 1575 (5’2”) minimum.

HULL WEIGHT CONTROLS

25. HULL WEIGHT

25.1 Condition during weighing.

(a) All external and internal surfaces shall be dry, to the satisfaction of the measurer.

(b) No fitting shall be weighed with the hull unless it is securely bolted, screwed, bonded or otherwise fixed to the boat as permanent equipment to be carried when racing. Fittings not listed in 25.1(c) and (d) shall not be included in the measured weight.

(c) Items which shall be included during weighing:
Centreboard. Hatch covers.
Forward side benches. Floorboards
                Bow plate. Centreboard pivot bolt.
Mast step. Rudder hangings.
Sheet horse. Shroud plates.
Stem band and keel band [see Rule 11.4(e)].
(d) Items permitted to be included during weighing:
Inspection port covers. Mast pivot pin.
Rigidly attached sheet fairleads. Sheet cleats.
Rowlock sockets. Drain sockets.
Not more than four lifting handles. Bow fairlead.
Mooring and forestay cleats. Two self-bailers.
Cleats or eyes for fastening covers or securing oars or anchor or motor.
Toe-straps with fittings. Fendoff.
Fixed metalwork and fittings.
                Clamps or turnbuttons for attaching side benches or floorboards or hatches.

(e) Items excluded from measured weight:

Aft side benches. Detachable blocks.

Sheets. Rudder.

Tiller. Spars.

Additional main keel bands. [see Rule 11.4(e)].

(Wayfarer World only) Asymmetric pole (Boat to be weighed with pole. Measurer to subtract 1.4 kg to exclude pole weight)

25.2 Minimum weight. In condition specified in rule 25.1:

(a) All versions 182.3 kg (402 lbs) including floor boards

(b) Versions (a-g) (k-p) 168.7kg (372lbs) excluding floor boards

25.3 Weight correction. Hulls weighing less than that specified under 25.2 and in the condition specified in 25.1 shall be made up to the required minimum weight by weight correctors made of any material, but of total weight not exceeding 6.8 kg (15 lbs). Weight correctors shall be fastened to the underside of the centre thwart.

25.4 Reduction of weight correctors. Shall not be permitted without an official reweighing.

25.5 Record of weight correction. Weight correctors shall be weighed separately and their weight entered on the Measurement Form.

25.6 Change in weight. Any permitted alteration to the hull or fittings resulting in a change in weight shall require an official reweighing.

RIG CONTROLS

26. MAST

26.1 Material. Shall be metal or wood.

26.2 Design of metal or wood masts. Shall comply with the official drawings. Heel may be tenoned.

26.3 Metal masts shall be made from extrusion weighing not less than 1.089 kg/m (0.732 lbs/ft).

26.4 Position of mast. Shall be determined by position of pivot holes in mast and kingposts, controlled by official drawings and Rule 26.5. The mast shall be secured by a bolt or pin of minimum diameter 6 (¼”) through the pivot holes and shall always be capable of being lowered without the removal of the pivot bolt or pin, or the adjustment, removal or disconnection of any mast restraining device attached to the hull at or below fore-deck level, other than kicking strap (boom vang) or halyards.

26.5 Pivot holes in king posts. Shall be:

(a) Centred 3163 +/- 13 (10’4½” +/- ½”) from outside of transom.

(b) Measured vertically below the sheer at the pin centreline 86 +/- 13 (3.3/8” +/- ½”). The sheer is the point at which the straight-line projection of the outer surface of the hull intersects with the upper surface of the deck.

(c) (MK III only) Centred 457 +/- 13 (1’6” +/- ½”) above level of cockpit floor.

(d) Maximum diameter 16 (5/8”).

26.6 Sail limit bands. Of distinctive colour, not less than 7 (¼”) wide. Shall be marked on the mast as follows:

(a) Band No 1 with its upper edge 707 +/- 3 (2’3.13/16” +/- 1/8”) above the centre of pivot hole in mast.

(b) Band No 2 with its lower edge 4949 +/- 7 (16’2.13/16” +/- ¼”) above the centre of pivot hole in mast.

(c) Band No 3 with its lower edge not more than 5868 (19’3”) above the upper edge of Band No 1

26.7 Extended line of forestay and jib luff. Shall meet the mast below the lower edge of Band No 2 at a point not more than 75 (2.95") below the lower edge of this band.

26.8 Spinnaker halyard. Shall be suspended from a bearing point not more than 39 (1½”) in any direction from the lower edge of Band No 2.

26.9 The height of the spreaders, at the centres of their roots, shall be 2529 +/-51 (8'3½" +/- 2”) above the centre of the pivot hole in mast.

27. BOOM

27.1 Material. Shall be metal or wood.

27.2 Design of metal or wood booms. Shall comply with the official drawings, except that the boom wall forward of the sail limit band may have holes having a maximum aggregate area of 1290 sq. mm. (2 sq. in.) and aft of the sail limit band, some of the material may be cut away to accommodate a clew outhaul sheave.

27.3 Sail limit band No 4. Of distinctive colour not less than 7 (¼”) wide. Shall be marked on the boom with its inner edge not more than 3023 (9’11”) from the aft edge of the mast and track when in position on gooseneck.

27.4 Length overall including fittings. 3175 +/- 26 (10’5” +/- 1”)

27.5 No fittings, devices or material may be added to the boom, the purpose or effect of which is to increase the stiffness of the boom section.

28. SPINNAKER, ASYMMETRIC POLE and JIB STICK

28.1 Materials shall be metal or wood.
28.2 Spinnaker pole and Jib stick. Length overall. Shall not exceed 1982 (6’6"). A boat may carry two spinnaker poles in lieu of a spinnaker pole and jib stick.
28.3 Asymmetric pole (Wayfarer World only) Length overall shall not exceed 1685 mm (5’ 6.5/16)
28.4 Asymmetric pole shall be 50mm diameter, 16-gauge grade 6082 T6 alloy.

29. RIGGING

29.1 Standing rigging. Shall be a forestay and two shrouds. Shrouds shall be linked to the mast by one pair of spreaders which shall not be equipped with controls suitable for adjusting their angle or effective length while sailing. The forestay shall be capable of supporting the mast at all times when sailing.
29.2 Effective length of standing rigging. Alteration shall be prohibited after the preparatory signal of a race, except in the case of breakage or failure in any part of the standing rigging.
29.3 Jib tack position. The extended line of the luff of the jib shall meet the foredeck at a point not more than 13 (1/2”) from its centre line and not more than 89 (3½”) from the extreme forward end of the hull, including fittings and stemband permitted by Rules 11.4 and 16.1(a).
29.4 Mainsheet. Shall not be taken to a centre mainsheet horse or track. It shall not use more than a single purchase tackle (or its equivalent power gain) between the boom and the hull at any position forward of the transom.
29.5 Kicking strap (boom vang). Shall not be attached to the boom at a point less than 2109 (6’11”) from the inner edge of Band No. 4 (Rule 27.3)

Section G – Sails

G.1 Parts
     G.1.1 Mandatory
        (a) Mainsail
        (b) Headsail
     G.1.2 Optional
       (a) Spinnaker
       (b) Gennaker

G.2 General
G.2.1 Rules
       (a) Sails shall comply with the class rules in force at the time of certification.
(b) The Section G - Sails class rules are Closed Class Rules. Certification control and equipment  
                inspection shall be carried out in accordance with the Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) except where
                varied.
G.2.2 Certification
       (a) The official measurer shall certify mainsails and headsails in the tack and spinnakers in the head
                and shall sign and date the certification mark.
       (b) The ISAF or an MNA or an NCA may appoint one or more In-House Official Measurers to measure
                and certify sails produced by that manufacturer.
G.2.3 Sailmaker
       (a) No licence is required.

G.3 Mainsail
      G.3.1 Identification
        (a) The class insignia – a stylised W with wing - shall conform with the dimensions as detailed in the
                diagram contained in Section H and be placed on both sides of the sail with the wing towards the
             leech.
        (b) On white sails the class insignia shall be red. On other coloured sails it shall be of a contrasting
                 colour to the sail.
        (c) The sail number shall comply with the RRS. They shall be positioned below the class insignia and  
                 above the upper of the two lower battens.
        (d) National letters are optional.
G.3.2 Materials
        (a) The ply fibres shall consist of polyester.
        (b) Stiffening shall consist of:
                 Cornerboards – plastic or aluminium
                 Battens – wood or GRP.
        (c) Sail reinforcement shall consist of woven polyester.
     G.3.3 Construction
        (a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail.
        (b) The body of the sail shall consist of woven ply throughout.
        (c) The sail shall have a maximum of 4 batten pockets in the leech.
        (d) The following are permitted: Stitching, glues, tapes, bolt ropes, corner eyes, headboard with fixings,
                Cunningham eye or pulley, batten pocket patches, batten pocket elastic, mast and boom slides, two
             windows, tell tales, sail shape indicator stripes, leech lines together with their fastenings and items as
                permitted or prescribed by other applicable rules.
        (e) The sail may have head buoyancy fitted. It shall:
                 (1) extend a maximum of 967 mm from the head point,
                 (2) be a patch on one side of the sail forming an opening self draining pocket
                 (3) not extend the leech in any way. (i.e. not extend the leech length nor extend the leech aft).
                 (4) contain only buoyancy material.

     G.3.4 Dimensions

	Minimum	Maximum
Leech length	-	6575 mm
Half width	-	1990 mm
Three-quarter width	-	1110 mm
Top width	-	125 mm
Primary reinforcement	-	380 mm
Secondary reinforcement:
from sail corner measurement points	-	900 mm
for flutter patches	-	135 mm
for chafing patches	-	300 mm
for batten pocket patches	-	155 mm
Distance from clew point to foot bolt rope	-	76 mm
Distance from tack point to foot bolt rope	-	305 mm
Lower window area <>Upper window – near spreader height, long edge vertical	- -	800 mm x 350 mm 550 mm x 300 mm
Window to sail edge	153 mm	-
Batten pocket length:
uppermost pocket:
inside	-	645 mm
other pockets:
inside	-	805 mm
Batten pocket width:
inside	-	40 mm
Head point to intersection of leech and centreline of uppermost batten pocket	1280 mm	1380 mm
Clew point to intersection of leech and centreline of lowermost batten pocket	1300 mm	1400 mm

G.4 Headsail
G.4.1 Materials
          (a) The ply fibres shall consist of polyester.
          (b) Not in use
          (c) Sail reinforcement shall consist of woven polyester.
      G.4.2 Construction
         (a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail.
         (b) The body of the sail shall consist of woven ply throughout.
         (c) The leech shall not extend beyond a straight line from the aft head point to the clew point.
         (d) The following are permitted: Stitching, glues, tapes, corner eyes, hanks, one window, tell tales, sail
                  shape indicator stripes and items as permitted or prescribed by other applicable rules.

     G.4.3 Dimensions

	Minimum	Maximum
Luff length	-	4170 mm
Leech length	-	4040 mm
Foot length	-	2270 mm
Foot median	-	4115 mm
Top width	-	40 mm
Primary reinforcement	-	325 mm
Secondary reinforcement:
from sail corner measurement points	-	950 mm
for flutter patches	-	200 mm
for chafing patches	-	600 x 100 mm
Window area	-	800mm x 350 mm
Window to sail edge	153 mm	-

G.5 NOT IN USE

G.6 Spinnaker
     G.6.1 Identification
          (a) The sail numbers are optional but if used shall comply with the RRS.
          (b) National letters are optional but if used shall comply with the RRS.
     G.6.2 Materials
          (a) The ply fibres shall consist of Nylon.
          (b) Sail reinforcement shall consist of woven fabric.
     G.6.3 Construction
          (a) The construction shall be: soft sail, single ply sail.
          (b) The body of the sail shall consist of woven ply throughout.
          (c) The following are permitted: Stitching, glues, tapes, corner eyes, recovery line eyes, tell tales and
                    items as permitted or prescribed by other applicable rules.

G.6.4 Dimensions

	Minimum	Maximum
Leech length and luff length	-	4750 mm
Foot length	-	3375 mm
Foot Median	-	4900 mm
Difference between diagonals	-	50 mm
Half width	-	3360 mm
Primary reinforcement	-	350 mm
Secondary reinforcement:
from sail corner measurement points	-	600 mm
for recovery line point, max 2	-	300 x 300 mm

SECTION IV - GENERAL

34. BUOYANCY

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that the boat at all times meets or exceeds the buoyancy standards as outlined in the relevant parts of this rule.
34.1 Buoyancy compartments. Shall be of watertight construction.

(Wayfarer World only). The buoyancy shall be in three separate airtight compartments as follows:

1. Floor bearer support structure

2. Forward buoyancy compartment

3. Remainder of boat

34.2 Holes or openings into the buoyancy compartments. Shall not be permitted except as specified in Rules 15.5 and 20.

34.3 Compartments. Hatch covers shall be secured in position and drain holes effectively stoppered when racing.

34.4 Positive buoyancy units of closed cell plastics foam. Shall be securely fixed within the hull of G.R.P. and composite boats, as follows (lift refers to buoyancy when submerged in fresh water):

(a) (MK I and MKIA only) One unit providing not less than 81.65 (180 lbs) lift in the forward compartment. Not more than two units providing not less than 40.82 (90 lbs) total lift in the aft compartment.

(b) [Mk II (except SD versions)]. One unit providing not less than 40.82 (90 lbs) lift in the forward compartment. Units providing a total lift of not less than 40.82 (90 lbs) under each side deck, aft of the main shrouds.

(c) Alternative for MK IA and MK II (except SD versions). One unit providing not less than 40.82 (90 lbs) lift in the forward compartment. Units providing a total of not less than 13.6 (30 lbs) beneath each side deck and two units providing a total of not less than 54.42 (120 lbs) lift in the aft compartment. The units shall be positioned according to the official drawing.

(d) (Mark II SD and Mk III). Not more than two units providing not less than 150 lbs (68.04 kg) lift in the forward buoyancy area. Not more than two units providing not less than 54.42 (120 lbs) lift in the aft compartment.

(e) (+S). Not more than two units providing not less than 22.7 (50 lbs) lift in the forward compartment. Not more than two units providing not less than 22.7 (50 lbs) lift in the aft compartment.

(f) (Wayfarer World). Two (2) no. 20 litre plastic cubitainers in forward buoyancy compartment and eight (8) no. 5 litre cubitainers located either side of the centreboard case under the floor.

(g) (Mark IV) Two (2) no. 5litre plastic cubitainers in the rear buoyancy area, two (2) no 5litre plastic cubitainers in the forward buoyancy area and 31.25 kilos (68.75 lbs) lift in each side buoyancy area.

34.5 Buoyancy test. Shall be conducted according to Rule 34.7 or 34.8.

34.6 Buoyancy equipment in excess of that specified in Rules 34.1 and 34.4 shall be permitted, but shall be removed before carrying out the alternative wet buoyancy test in Rule 34.8.

34.7 Dry Buoyancy Test. (Alternative to 34.8). Shall be conducted as follows:

(a) Hatches shall be closed normally, using only the boat‘s own hatch covers and fasteners.

(b) Drainage holes from buoyancy compartments shall be closed with their normal stoppers, except where tubes to a pressure/vacuum source and gauge are connected.

(c) Equipment for producing and assessing pressure differentials between the buoyancy compartment and surrounding atmosphere, and including a U-tube water gauge, shall be connected to the compartment.

(d) Super-atmospheric or sub-atmospheric pressure shall be applied to the compartment, sufficient to produce a differential reading of at least 127 (5”) on the water gauge.

(e) After isolating the buoyancy compartment from the vacuum or pressure source, the pressure differential specified in 34.7(d) above shall not reduce from 127 (5”) to 51 (2”) in less than 30 seconds.

34.8 Wet Buoyancy Tests (Except for SD versions, Wayfarer World and Mk IV. Alternative to 34.7) Shall be conducted as follows:

(a) Buoyancy compartment joints, hatch gaskets and hatch fasteners. Shall be inspected by the buoyancy tester for efficiency.

(b) Hatches shall be closed normally, using only the boat‘s own hatch covers and fasteners.

(c) Drainage holes from buoyancy compartments shall be closed with their normal stoppers.

(d) Excess buoyancy equipment permitted under Rule 34.6 shall be removed.

(e) The boat shall be floated on its beam ends with the masthead touching the water. A load of at least 113.4 (250 lbs) shall be applied vertically to the hull (the weight of two persons can conveniently provide this load). After a minimum of 5 minutes in this condition with one gunwale submerged, the test shall be repeated for a minimum of 5 minutes with the other gunwale submerged.

(f) The boat shall be floated upright in a waterlogged condition, with water overflowing the top of the centreboard case, immediately after the test in 34.8(e). It shall remain in this condition for a minimum of 10 minutes, then be emptied.

(g) The buoyancy compartments shall be inspected for significant leakage immediately after completion of 34.8(f). There shall be no more than 6.8 litres (1.1/2 gallons) in the aft buoyancy compartment. The leakage totalled over all compartments comprising the bow buoyancy compartment shall be no more than 6.8 litres (1.1/2 gallons).

35. SPECIAL PROHIBITIONS

35.1 Ballast. Whether attached to boat or carried by crew. Prohibited.

35.2 Trapeze or any apparatus or contrivance extending outboard from the hull, spars or rigging and attached to the crew, the purpose or effect of which is, or may be, to support or assist in supporting a member of the crew, outboard or partially outboard. Prohibited.

35.3 Electrically operated instruments or mechanisms. Unless otherwise permitted, or required by safety or the Sailing Instructions, the use of all electrical or electronic devices or instruments is prohibited except for the following functions: time keeping, compass heading and changes thereof, or the recording of sound or photographic images.

35.4 Spinnaker Chutes. Permitted as made by an authorised builder.

35.5 When racing, not more than one spinnaker shall be on board.

35.6 Devices to adjust the position of the mast at deck level shall not extend higher than 75mm (3") from the deck line.

36. CLASS NUMBER

Numbers shall be permanently displayed on the official license plate fixed to the forward face of the aft bulkhead or on the centreboard case capping immediately aft of the main thwart. Height of figures 3 (1/8”) minimum. On wood boats the numbers shall also be carved on forward exposed face of transom beam. Height of figures 26 (1”) minimum.

37. CREW

The boat shall be raced by not less than two persons except in single-handed events.

38. CLASS SIGNAL

Flag bearing class insignia is recommended. Not obligatory.

Effective April 2010

Appendix 1: Drawing showing definition of the stem and how the “length overall without fittings” is measured.

Dispensations registered with the W.I.C.

UKWA: Wayfarer World Asymmetric: As of 31 Jan 2001, the UKWA has given dispensation for asymmetric-rigged Wayfarer Worlds to compete with Spinnaker boats using Traditional Rig.
CWA: As of 31 Jan 2002 and until further notice, Rule 35.5 of Wayfarer Class Rules will be changed to: “When racing, not more than one spinnaker shall be used during a single race.” for boats sailing in any Canadian-based Wayfarer event.
SWS: As of 1978, the SWS permits removal of all side benches when racing. However, the minimum weight of the boat shall never be less than as per rule 25.2. This changes rule 22.2(e).

SWS Dispensation 2010  (click here for diagram)

13. GUNWALE STRUCTURE
 (All marks.) The gunwale assemblies shall not deviate from the official moulds and drawing Sheet No 33 a.
The fend-off, if fitted, shall follow the contour of the gunwale. Between 800mm from the transom and 2800mm from the transom, measured along the fend-off,  the fend-off may be widened such that the fend-off still follows the contour of the gunwale and has a regular section, not exceeding the area marked on the attached drawing no. 4-Way-0035, and results in an overall beam of no more than 1935mm. This wider section of fend-off shall have a further gradual transition, at each end, extending 200mm +/- 20mm to blend in with the rest of the fend-off.  The top corner of the fend-off shall have a maximum radius of 20mm. 

13. ESSING SAMLINGEN
 (Alle Marks). Essing samlingen må ikke afvige fra den officielle form og tegning Sheet nr. 33 a.
Fenderlisten, hvis monteret, skal følge konturen af essingen. Mellem 800 mm fra agterspejlet og 2800mm fra agterspejlet, målt langs fenderlisten, kan fenderlisten øges, således at den stadig følger konturen af essingen og har et ensartet tværsnit, der ikke overstiger det areal som markeret på vedlagte tegning nr. 4-Way-0035, og resulterer i en total bredde på højst 1935mm. Denne øgede fenderliste, skal have en gradvis overgang, i hver ende, på min. 200mm + / - 20mm og falde i et med resten af fenderlisten. Det øverste hjørne af fenderlisten, må have en radius på maksimalt 20mm.

UKWA, 2012:  The UKWA gives a dispensation to boats/ boat owners to use two spinnaker poles but if a boat so chooses then that boat may not carry a jib stick.

UKWA, 2015: The UKWA gives a dispensation: Mk IV boats not designated as racing boats are allowed to race without a measurement certificate.  All boats of whatever mark must still comply with the rules including buoyancy.

SWS, 2016:  SWS Dispensation regarding Class rules G3.4 and G4.3.

As of 1 April 2016, SWS have decided to give a dispensation regarding the Class rules G3.4 and G4.3 – Windows in sails.

The dispensation allows a total area of windows of 0.5m2 in mainsail and in foresail as well.

The windows can be divided into more windows to secure the strength of the sail.

This is to increase safety when sailing.

W.I.C. approved interpretations of the Class Rules

UKWA, 2004: "In pursuance of rules 5.10 and 5.12, it is the responsibility of the owner of a boat which is the subject of major repair or renovation to show that the original shape of the hull has been maintained and that the materials used are as close to the original as reasonably practical and of acceptable specification."
It might significantly help the owner's case, for example, if the boat was measured before the renovation commenced, as far as that might be possible. If the boat had previously been measured at some point in its history then appropriate measurements could be checked. Measurement could then be checked and completed when the renovation is complete. Involvement of a class measurer would provide an independent check, but it is important that the measurer should be able to inspect the boat before work commences. Photographic evidence of how the work was carried out might also support the owner's case.
UKWA, Nov 2008: The transom is defined as the plane that touches the aft most edges where the hull and deck mouldings are joined.  When making measurements from the transom a straight edge should be placed across the transom and measurements taken from there.