The Nirvana Class

As Featured in Model Yachting #124

Click photo for larger photo

Class Secretary

Steve Lang
181 Navy Circle
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
615-773-2920

Description

The Nirvana was designed from scratch to be a nice looking, high performance, RC model.  The goal was to get a fully equipped, ready-to-sail boat designed and produced at around $200.  The sloop rig features the high aspect rigs of the time, with a deep fin keel ballasted with a lead bulb.  Her carbon fiber reinforced hollow, spars are extremely strong and attractive.  The mast is even tapered, a feature not previously seen in such an inexpensive boat.  Her sails are polyester (mylar), and are extremely strong (will not tear or stretch), water resistent (will not mildew), and she is well fitted with all needed adjustments.

One of the unique features of the boat is her electronics compartment.  Hidden under a deck cover is a snap on hatch reminiscent of the RC Laser.  The boat is molded in one piece of ABS plastic.  Even the electronics compartment is fit into a well molded into the deck . So the electronics are not really inside the boat, but cleverly mounted in a sealed box .  This clever design keeps the electronics dry and easily accessible.

Her hull design features an interesting "bustle" that allows this small boat to carry her weight well aft.  The result is a boat that keeps her nose above water when reaching or running in a blow.  There are other features on the boat that are rarely seen on small boats, like pin hole adjustment of sheet lengths on the booms.  She has a balanced rudder design that allows for quick response without slowing her down, and the single adjustment for both wire shrouds makes for fast and easy set up.

The racing rule is very strict but does allow for a number of improvements to the boat to make her easier to maintain, and more durable for all out racing.  Nothing is allowed that will improve her performance.  As of July 2008, there ware already 483 boats registered and numbered in this booming class.

The RC Nirvana is an international One-Design class regulated by the builder to insure strict performance uniformity worldwide.

Nirvana Class Rules

Please note that the following rule is updated often.  Owners are free to make any modifications to their own boats, but if they wish to enter competition, which is great fun, they should adhere to the Class Racing Rule.

SECTION A - Fundamental Class Racing Rules Structure

A.1 One-Design Clause - The primary purpose of these class rules is to regulate all RC Nirvana boats, used for racing, to be equal in boat speed.

A.1.1 Modifications - Any modifications to the Nirvana, as manufactured, not specifically permitted by these class racing rules is PROHIBITED.

A.2 Abbreviations

IRCNCA - International RC Nirvana Class Association

RCNCA- NA - RC Nirvana Class Association - North America

RRS - Racing Rules Of Sailing

ISAF - International Sailing Federation

A.3 Authority - These racing rules are established and maintained by the builder and, as such, are independent of any owner or organization.

A.3.1 Lobby for Change - Any individual, or group of RC Nirvana owners, may lobby the builder to change these class racing rules via their governing class secretary/president.

A.4 Language

A.4.1 Official Language - The official language of the class is English and in case of dispute over translation, the English text and meaning shall prevail.

A.4.2 Terminology - The word "shall" is mandatory and the word "may" is permissive.

A.5 Uniformity

A.5.1 Supplier - All major Nirvana parts, (Hulls, keels, rudders, spars and sails) shall be manufactured by the builder in accordance with the RC Nirvana original performance design specifications.

A.6 Class Racing Rules Interpretation

A.6.1 Conflict - Any discrepancy or conflict in interpretation of these regulations shall be referred to the builder via the governing class secretary/president.

A.6.2 Authority - Worldwide interpretation of these rules shall be made by the builder. All competitive events sanctioned by the RC Nirvana class must follow the builder's interpretation of these rules.

SECTION B - ORGANIZATION

B.1 Administration of the Class

B.1.1 Hierarchy - The builder may assign the administration of the class by continent, country, or region.

B.1.2 Advisory Committee - The builder may appoint an advisory committee to advise on racing rule changes.

B.2 Identifying Numbers

B.2.1 Assignment - Hull and sail numbers shall be designated by the class secretary in each defined area of the world (North America, Europe, Australia, etc). Any boat entering competition outside home club sailing must be registered with their class secretary and receive their number assignment.

B.2.2 Attachment - Boat numbers shall stay with the boat. Upon a transfer of ownership, the class secretary shall be notified.

B.3 Amendments to Class Rules

B.3.1 Proposing Amendments - Amendments to these class rules shall be proposed to the builder, via class secretary, for consideration.

B.3.2 Responsibility - It is the responsibility of all racing sailors to understand the class rules and and keep up to date.

B.3.3 Dating - If a word, clause, sentence or paragraph of this rule is changed, the date of the chance shall appear at the end of that paragraph. Explanations of changes will appear at the end of this racing rules document.

SECTION C - CONDITIONS FOR RACING

C.1 Equipment

C.1.1 General - Unless specifically authorized by these class rules, only hulls, sails and other items of equipment manufactured by the builder shall be used. No addition or alteration may be made to any part of the boat as manufactured, except when such alteration or change is specifically authorized by these class racing rules. See list of authorized modifications at end of this document.

C.1.2 Limitations - Except in cases of authentic damage or loss, not more than 1 hull, 1 set of sails, 1 set of standing rigging, 1 keel, and 1 rudder shall be used during a race or series of races.

C.1.3 Unusable Parts - Damaged or worn parts must be replaced by parts supplied by the builder and shall be installed as were the original parts.

C.1.4 Sail Numbers - All sails must be marked with the authorized size, font and color sail numbers and placed as designated on the official sail plan. Hull numbers are not required. See specifics in Modification/Clarifications section at end of this rule.

C.2 Crew - The crew shall consist of 1 person, but may be more with special permission by the Race Committee.

C.3 Minimum Weight - A minimum weight for a race-ready boat shall be established as soon as a standard is formed. If a boat weighs less than the minimum weight, weight will be added to the electronics compartment to bring the overall weight up to minimum.

C.4 Certificate - No measurement certificate is required, however, boats are subject to inspection by the race committee at any time before or during a regatta, or series, to determine compliance with these regulations. Exchangeable parts may be marked by the race committee to confirm compliance.

SECTION D - SPECIFICATIONS FOR RACING

D.1 - Hull and Underwater Surfaces

D.1.1 Smooth/Shape -The hull, rudder and keel may be smoothed and painted. No reshaping of any part is authorized, to include the exit slot in the hull for the keel.

D.1.2 Bow Bumper - A class approved bow bumper may be installed on the stem of the boat to protect other boats in case of a collision. A class approved bow bumper must be installed in all Regional and above regattas.

D.1.3 Special additives - No sloughing or emulsifying agents may be applied to underwater surfaces. Wax is authorized.

D.2 - RIGGING

D.2.1 Spars - Damaged or worn spars and spar fittings shall be replaced using parts supplied by the builder and shall be installed as was the original. See change dated 8/01/07 at end of rule.

D.2.2 Running Rigging - Lines used for sheets, outhauls downhauls, halyards, and boom vangs may be of any material deemed suitable by owner. See change dated 8/01/07 at end of rule.

D.2.2.1 Sheet Attachment - The main sheet and jib sheet shall attach to their respective booms through, or to, the hole in the booms provided by the builder.

D.2.2.3 Sail & Rigging Adjustments - Rigging of out hauls, down hauls, halyards, topping lifts, and boom vangs is to the owners discretion. See change dated 8/01/07 and 4/01/08 at end of rule.

D.2.3 Standing Rigging - Either wire or line may be used for standing rigging (shrouds and stays). See change dated 8/01/07 at end of rule.

D.3 - SAILS

D.3.1 Official Sails -The sole sail maker shall be the builder. The Nirvana logo shall appear near the head of the sail and shall not be covered.

D.3.2 Attachments - Wind Flow indicators may be attached to any point of the sails and may be made of any material. See change dated 8/01/07 at end of rule.

D.3.3 Repair - Sail damage may be repaired. Sail repairs shall be made only with plastic or cloth-backed tape. Sail dimensions shall not be altered by repairs. Any repair to a sail which increases stiffness which would affect performance is not allowed. Wording altered to clarify 4/01/08

D.3.4 Sail decorations - Sails may be decorated using decals, tape, paint or markers, but such markings shall not interfere with easy identification of the sail numbers or the Class logo.

D.4 - ELECTRONICS

D.4.1 RC Electronic Equipment - Electronic equipment, to include Transmitters, receivers, switches, battery holders, crystals, and servos may be changed or altered. See change dated 8/01/07 at end of rule.

D.4.2 Batteries - Batteries used must be AA cells, either alkaline, NiCad, or NiMH. Lithium batteries are not authorized.

Modifications/Clarification to Racing Rules as of 12/1/05

The following rules modifications, additions, and subtractions are in affect on this date.

C.1.1 Equipment - The following modifications/clarifications are recognized by this regulation:

* Line or wire fasteners of any type may be used at the ends of line or standing wire rigging.

* The antenna may be installed any way desired. It is not recommended to run the antenna along wire or carbon fiber (mast).

* Electronic equipment may be relocated as long as all components remain in the electronics "cockpit".

* A drain hole and plug may be installed in the bow or stern to drain water from the hull.

* Topping lifts are authorized on both main and jib booms.

* Keel ballast plastic housings shall not be removed. Replacements for damaged housings are available.

Modifications/Clarification to Racing Rules as of 8/1/07

D.2.1 - The gooseneck fitting and the lower boom vang fitting may be changed to any type fitting that provides the same function in the same location. Connection locations on mast and boom are as manufactured.

D.2.1 The masthead fitting may be drilled to attach the backstay further forward. No restrictions are applied to this connection.

The main boom may be shortened to allow better clearance of the backstay. No minimum length is yet established. Sail may not be modified.

D.2.2 The fairleads for the sail sheets may be moved or reoriented but no new moving (roller) fixtures may be added or used to replace existing fittings. See clarification under 4/01/08

D.2.2.3 Topping lifts may be installed on the aft end of either the main or jib boom. The jib boom may not be weighted.

D.2.3 The rail fitting to which the shrouds are attached is optional. A substitute fitting may be placed in any location on the toe rail no further aft of the forward edge of the toe rail than 17" (measured along the toe rail).

D.3.2 A downhaul may be attached to one point at the tack of the mainsail and attached to the boom, gooseneck or mast in any manner the owner chooses.

D.4.1 The sail servo may not exceed 125 oz. in. torque rating at 4.8 volts. Only sail arm winches are authorized. Modifications/Clarification to Racing Rules as of 04/01/08

D.2.2 - The fairleads where the sheets leave the deck may not be moved. However, they may be reoriented. Adding rings or rollers to existing fairleads for the purpose of decreasing friction is authorized.

D.2.2.3 - Concerning the jib boom swivel connection to the deck, the length of this line may be adjustable. The attachment point to the jib boom may be adjustable. The deck connection point shall NOT be moved.

D.2.3 The rail fitting to which the shrouds are attached is optional. A substitute fitting may be placed in any location on the toe rail no further aft of the forward edge of the toe rail than 17" (measured along the toe rail).

D.3.2 A downhaul may be attached to one point at the tack of the mainsail and attached to the boom, gooseneck or mast in any manner the owner chooses.

D.4.1 The sail servo may not exceed 125 oz. in. torque rating at 4.8 volts. Only sail arm winches are authorized.

Modifications/Clarification to Racing Rules (as of 04/01/08)

D.2.2 - The fairleads where the sheets leave the deck going to the booms may not be moved. However, they may be reoriented. Adding rings or rollers to existing fairleads for the purpose of decreasing friction is authorized.

D.2.2.3 - Concerning the jib boom swivel connection to the deck, the length of this line may be adjustable. The attachment point to the jib boom may be adjustable. The deck connection point shall NOT be moved.