Rules

Download the latest Zenith Dinghy Class Rules below:

Version: October 2025

Download Zenith Class Rules PDF

Zenith Dinghy Class Rules 

Version: October 2025

These are closed class rules. 

1. Introduction 

1.1 Purpose of the Class 

The Zenith is a strict one-design, single-handed hiking dinghy with a ballasted centreboard, designed by Phil Morrison. The class is founded on the principle that racing results should depend solely on the skill and performance of the sailor, not on equipment advantages. 

The core values of the Zenith Class are: 

  • Respect 
  • Enjoyment 
  • Sportsmanship 

These values create a framework for all sailors—whether racing competitively or sailing for leisure—to enjoy the sport at any level. 

1.2 Design and Manufacture 

The Zenith was commissioned by Hartley Boats and designed by Phil Morrison in 2024. The boats are manufactured exclusively by Hartley Boats using foam epoxy construction. 

2. Conduct of Members 

All Zenith Class Association members must: 

  • Abide by the current edition of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) during events. 
  • Behave in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner on and off the water. 
  • Treat fellow sailors, officials, and other individuals with courtesy and care at all times. 

3. One-Design Principle 

3.1 Closed Class Rules 

The Zenith operates under closed class rules. Unless a change is explicitly permitted within these rules, it is not allowed. 

3.2 Major Components 

All major components must: 

  • Be as supplied by the Manufacturer 
  • Originate from the class-approved manufacturer (Hartley Boats) 

3.3 Manufacturer Specification Changes 

Hartley Boats may, from time to time, make adjustments to the specification of major components in consultation with the Zenith Class Association Committee. 

  • Committee approval is not required, but the committee must be informed. 
  • Members will be notified of any implemented changes. 

3.4 Alterations 

  • Unauthorized alterations are at the owner’s risk and may invalidate the warranty 
  • For warranty-related matters, always consult the manufacturer 

4. Major Components 

4.1 Hull 

  • The hull must remain unmodified in shape and weight as supplied 
  • Repairs must be made using original materials and must not offer any performance gain

4.2 Centreboard locking pin 

  • Must be as supplied by the manufacturer 
  • Must be inserted while racing 

Exemptions: 

Momentary removal is allowed: 

  • To Prevent grounding 
  • To remove weed 

4.3 Centreboard 

  • Shape must remain unaltered 
  • Minor fairing of the trailing edge is allowed 
  • Repairs using original materials are permitted 
  • The pivot hole must not be moved 
  • A bump stop must be present at the aft edge of the top of centreboard case of a minimum thickness of 3mm

4.4 Rudder 

  • Shape must remain unaltered 
  • Minor fairing of the trailing edge is allowed 
  • Repairs using original materials are permitted 
  • The pivot hole must not be moved 

4.5 Rudder Stock 

  • Must be as supplied by the manufacturer 

4.6 Mast 

  • Must be as supplied by the manufacturer 

4.7 Boom 

  • Must be as supplied by the manufacturer 

4.8 Sail 

  • Must be as supplied by the manufacturer 
  • Must feature the Zenith logo in black and red 
  • The logo must be placed:
    • The logo must be placed: Below batten 2 
    • Above batten 3 
  • Sail numbers:
    • Must be black 
    • Must match the font issued by the builder 
    • Must be positioned offset, with starboard numbers higher 
    • See Appendix 1 for details 
  • Repairs are allowed as long as they do not change the sail’s shape or enhance performance 

4.9 Fit-Out 

  • Must be as supplied. Position of fittings may not be altered 
  • Halyard: maximum 1:1 ratio 
  • Primary controls
    • Kicker: 16:1 
    • Cunningham: 8:1 
    • Outhaul: 4:1 

4.10 Mainsheet Systems 

All systems must have a transom bridle including a 2:1 purchase 

The following mainsheet configurations are permitted: 

  • 2:1 at the transom, plus a block in the centre of the boom 
  • 2:1 at the transom, plus a block and cleat in the centre of the boom 
  • 2:1 at the transom, plus a block in the centre of the boom and down to a block on top of the case 
  • 2:1 at the transom, plus a block in the centre of the boom and down to a block on top of the case, with side cleats fitted on the side decks, in line with where the front tank meets the side tank 
  • Ratchet blocks are permitted in the system 
  • A tapered mainsheet is permitted, if desired 
  • See Appendix 2 for fitting locations 

5. Permitted Replacements, Additions, Alterations, and Repairs 

5.1 Permitted Replacements 

Replacement parts must be of similar type and function: 

  • Blocks 
  • Control lines 
  • Shroud adjusters 
  • Cam cleats 
  • Rudder pintles 
  • Fastenings 
  • Toe straps, lashings, and elastics 
  • Running rigging (ropes, halyards, lashings) 
  • Shackles, swivels, pins 
  • Dog bones, Q-Lok and Stoppers 
  • Tiller extension 
  • Self-bailers (standard super medium only)
  • Centreboard slot gasket (screw heads may be filled and faired) 
  • Standing rigging:
    • Must match original length, size and diameter 
    • Shrouds: 1×19 stainless steel wire, 3mm 
    • Forestay: 1×19 stainless steel wire, 3mm 

5.2 Other Permitted Additions 

  • Non-slip material (maximum 3mm thickness) on decks and floor 
  • Flexible adhesive tape, thin line, or shock cord, provided they do not alter sheeting, sail shape, or equipment function 
  • Calibration marks 
  • Compass or timing device (no GPS or speed data that can be accessed during racing) 
  • Wind indicators of any kind are permitted 
  • One gybing strop, defined as: Max diameter: 10mm 
  • Attached to the boom or the block on the boom 
  • May include a single block or ring 
  • Max total length (including block or ring): 1 metre 
  • To be used only during gybing 

6. Repairs 

Repairs are allowed on major components provided: 

  • Original materials are used 
  • Shape or characteristics are not altered 
  • No performance benefit is gained 

Applies to: 

  • Sail 
  • Hull 
  • Centreboard 
  • Rudder 
  • Mast 
  • Boom 
  • Rudder stock 

7. Crew 

Only one person is allowed onboard during racing 

8. Other Equipment 

Temporary or permanent items (e.g. camera mounts) are not considered part of the hull and cannot be used in determining collision rights 

Appendix 1 
  • Starboard Numbers placed Higher than Port 
  • Minimum distance between characters 60mm 
  • Black numbers 
  • Hartley Boats approved font 

Appendix 2 

Mainsheet attachment point and cleat locations