Section 1 Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Guidance Information - Guidance Notes for the Certification of Masts, Spars and Standing Rigging, January 2017 - Chapter 1 Guidance notes for the certification of masts, spars and standing rigging - Section 1 Introduction

Section 1 Introduction

1.1 General

1.1.1 For yachts, classification is concerned only with the hull and machinery of the vessel. The hull scantlings and arrangements, including attachment points for stays and mast supports of sailing yachts, are examined and approved in association with the loads from masts and rigging as specified by the builder. The masts, spars and standing rigging are beyond the scope of classification. Note however that Part 4, Ch 4, Table 4.4.1, 3rd column (5) asks to unship the masts at the third Special survey (i.e. after 15 years of service) for inspection but this is part of a review of eligibility for continuation of the Classification.

However, the Large Commercial Yacht Code, LY3, paragraph 4.5.2, gives requirements for masts, spars and standing rigging on sailing vessels. This document gives guidance for establishing a procedure that can be applied to demonstrate compliance with these requirements.

Successful completion of the procedure as described in Sections 4 and 5, and formal approval by LR of the Rig plans, will be recognised by the issue of a ‘Certificate of Compliance with LYC 4.5.2’ for the masts, spars and standing rigging.

1.1.2 The approach and procedure to be applied for certification of rigging, when desired, on Sail Training Vessels, and Sail Assisted Vessels can be found in the other parts of these Guidance Notes.

1.1.3 These Guidance Notes are framed on use for fore-aft and square rig types. Use of these Guidance Notes for examination or certification of other systems of sail-assisted propulsion will be subject to special consideration. The manufacturer should obtain the agreement of Clasifications Register (LR) before applying these Guidance Notes to the design of such systems.

1.1.4 In case of any contradictions between the requirements in the Rules applicable to the vessel and these Guidance Notes, the applicable Rules will prevail.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.