Hi, I was wondering if there is a minor loophole/omission in the rules regarding the spreader brackets.  There is a maximum measurements for the mast, should the spreader bracket be included within that as there doesn’t seem to be a definition of it within the rules.

The spreader bracket has always been included in the diameter of the mast, as is the gooseneck.
 
It used to say "Diameter of the mast including all rigidly attached fittings" if memory serves. The ERS will now contain all the definitions. 

Thanks for the information, I thought that would be the case.

 Equipment Rules of Sailing
F.1.4 Spar Types
(a) MAST
A spar on which the head or throat of a sail, or a yard, is set. Includes its
standing rigging, running rigging, and spreaders, but not running
rigging and fittings that are not essential to the function of the mast as part of the rig.
F.1.5 Spreader
Equipment used to brace a spar, attached at one end to the spar and the other
end to rigging and working in compression when in use.
 

Thanks Keith, not being a regular reader of the rules I missed that.

the rules state :
 F3.1 The mast with its track, if any, shall be capable of passing through a circle 130mm diameter
But in the ERS as keith points out spreaders are included?? 
F.1.4 
Spar Types
 (a) MAST
A spar on which the head or throat of a sail, or a yard, is set. Includes its standing rigging, running rigging, and spreaders, but not running rigging and fittings that are not essential to the function of the mast as part of the rig. 
 
As i read it then the spreaders should have to pass through the 130mm diameter hole?? Is the gooseneck essential to the function of the mast? if not then that doesn't need to measure..

Suppose you could say that spreaders are not "Essential" to the function of the mast, i.e. to hold a sail up and support a mast. Therefore they are not part of the mast.

Think really you have to look back at the original rules and take the intention to be that the brackets are be included. But as you point out it doesn't actually say that.

There could also be an issue with the Spreader Bracket on many existing masts, as I have just measured my Standard Chipstow mast and the bracket is 210mm on the longest measurement.  I think that, after reading the different parts of the rules that we need to adjust the class rule to cover this off, so that it only covers the Mast Section.
 
If we follow the ERS Definition of a mast then with our class rules at present someone could turn up to the Nationals with a spreaderless rig and protest the whole fleet!

Now there's an idea, and the original mast on 1620 is a spreaderless Proctor D+ Gold. Fame within our grasp!

If ERS includes spreader s / bracket, this will include pole self launching brackets which will exceed this dim also. A can of worms me thinks.

Pole launch bracket is comfortably in.

I am surprised this has not been raised before - please leave with us, there will be a simple solution.

C