What's not clear in the list of items that constitute a "boat" as defined in the ERS  C.6.1. why doesn't your brief list of items fall within "hull appendages", or "fittings", or "all other items of equipment used except..."

This is covered fully and specifically in this video produced by IJ Steve Hatch and published in the Australian Sailing Rules in Focus newsletter. Here's the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00UdJENGLPk&feature=youtu.be Might be good to share this with your sailors.

Hi Nick,
Thanks, yes I have got it, and we have been using in education sessions, double checking. MG

The definition of hull as defined in the ERS is much more clear than the video which followed the ERS with a Maritime Dictionary definition that expands the ERS definition, muddying up the ERS.  Might want to clip that part out of the video.

It depends on the design of the boat. A wing can be part an integral part of the hull shell, moulded into the hull or deck or it can be a fitting:
(b)FITTING An item, including any associated fitting, that is not part of the boat structure but is bonded or fastened to the hull, hull appendages or rig.
A wing is above the sheerline, so it is not a hull appendage fitting. In most cases the wing is not a main structural part(s) of the rig to which sails are connected so it is not 'rigging'.
Which means, it seems to me, that a wing is a hull fitting:
D.1.1 Hull The hull shell including any transom, the deck including any superstructure, the internal structure including any cockpit, the fittings associated with these parts and any corrector weights.
and is therefore part of the hull.

Gordon do you see the bit thy stand on in a 29er as being part of the Hull or something else?

Yes I do. I also see the wings on a 49er as a hull fitting and therefore part of the hull for the purposes of these rules.


One issue we have not discussed is that we have been discussing this topic only in terms of the ERS.
However, the ERS are rules only if they are invoked by:
(a)Class Rules.
(b)Adoption in the notice of race and sailing instructions.
(c)Prescriptions of an MNA for races under its jurisdiction.
(d)World SailingRegulations, or
(e)Other documents that govern an event.

In other cases, when interpreting the word 'hull' we should do so in the sense ordinarily understood in nautical or general use, preferably in Plain English (if we refer to the WS Constitution).
Collins give the following definition of hull:
the main body of a vessel, tank, flying boat, etc 

However, I am a great believer in the advice given by the RYA regarding the status of their Cases - the cases are 'illustrative and persuasive but not binding'. Applying this to our current discussion I would need some considerable persuading before making any interpretation of the word hull that contradicts the ERS definition.
Gordon