In november zal de internationale vergadering in Hannover weer plaatsvinden. Daar moet een beslissing worden genomen over het geprofielroer. Omdat er helaas nog geen overeenstemming is bereikt over de keuze van het profiel heeft IOU Nederland het volgende voorstel ingediend bij de internationale voorzitter en bij de voorzitters van de andere landen. Het doel hiervan is om een technisch goed onderbouwde beslissing te kunnen maken, zonder de voortgang te blokkeren. Hieronder de inhoud van het voorstel:
The international meeting of the IOU is nearing. Also nearing is a decision about the introduction of the profiled rudder for the O-Jol.
It is very good to see that there is a general consensus: a profiled rudder is needed. As we all know there are still a number of technical issues that need to be addressed and solved before a balanced decision can be taken. And special care to the technical matter is very much needed. We can only once introduce a profiled rudder and the choice must be the best one.
In June this year we (IOU Netherlands) had some good discussions with our German counterparts. There is a general feeling that we need to solve the technical matter soon. There are two major options:
A. A Naca 09 model based on the original design of the O-Jol Rudder and
B A Naca 12 model, longer and less wide than the original O-Jol Rudder.
The IOU Netherlands has tested the Naca 10 model in various ways (sailing tests, theoretical tests and professional tests). For “DRAG”- resistance- reasons we choose for Naca 09. We have offered to do the same tests for the Naca 12 model. Unfortunately we did not obtain two prototypes in July/ August from our German counterpart. This has slowed down the process unfortunately. We had to manufacture a Naca 12 prototype ourselves. The tests are now underway. As it stands now we are not in a position to provide you - and most importantly the International Technical Committee - with the needed test results. This implies that in our opinion a final and fully comprehensive decision cannot be taken yet. And until today a third - technical - opinion could not be obtained either.
Another factor to take into account is the following: the owners of the O-Jol in the Netherlands took an official decision in 2006 to approve the introduction of a Naca 09 profile. If another model will be opted for we will be obliged to organize a new meeting with the O-Jol owners in consultation with the Watersportverbond (KNWV). Legally the IOU Netherlands is not authorized to approve a different model yet.
It would be regrettable if we loose momentum now since things have changed for the better drastically in Germany. Thanks to the good lobbying work of the president of the German IOU everybody who likes to sail in the O-Jol will opt for a profiled rudder now. That is really an accomplishment. From our end we do not want to block the process.
We therefore propose the following line:
1. In November 2007 a decision in principle can be taken to introduce and accept a profiled rudder for the O-Jol in 2009, but without a final decision yet about the actual profile and outline specifications;
2. The technical people agree on a testing protocol in 2008 for the 2 options for a profiled rudder, on which basis a decision to adjust the class specifications can be taken;
3. The final decision on the actual profile and outline will be taken in 2008 after all test results in the first half year of 2008 have been obtained and assessed by the international technical committee;
4. The technical committee submits a final opinion and proposal to the international board not later than July 2008;
5. The decision on the actual profile and outline is then taken not later than September 2008.
It means:
· That all of us know that a safer profiled rudder for the O-Jol will be introduced (albeit in 2009 and not in 2008);
· That we have a real chance to select the technical best model;
· That we are not blocking the current process.
We intend to start testing in the winter (at the Spiegel) with the various profiles.
The Test O-Jol will be equipped with a test rudder (we will measure the angle), a measuring instrument to measure the radius, a measuring instrument to measure the acceleration (3D), a measuring device to measure leeway (drift), a device to measure wind speed (knts) and wind angle and a GPS. All data will be recorded on flashcards to be processed later on the computer (to avoid subjective interpretations).
In spring 2008 the analysis will be available and will be presented with recommendations. Based on those recommendations the final decision can be taken.
I am confident that you all agree with the IOU Netherlands that this might be the only way out at present.
We look forward to your reactions.
Kind regards,
IOU NL