The CSA is looking for people interested in becoming CSA measurers.  A CSA measurer measures boats to assign a rating using the CSA rating rule. There are two main rules; the CSA Monohull Rule and the CSA Multihull Rule.  The measurer primarily measures boats in his or her home region but may be asked to travel to other islands to assist in the run up to a regatta.

Both rules require the boat to be physically measured in the water.  The measurements obtained are input into the respective rating rule to obtain a time correction factor (handicap) which is then used by the regatta organizers to score the results of a regatta.

The measurer should be a keen sailor with some knowledge of a race boat architecture and a good understanding about racing sailboats.  He must speak English; other languages may be an asset.  Basic math and computer skills are required.

Another task of a CSA measurer is to function as the Regatta Measurer.  The task of the Regatta Measurer is to attend the regatta, verify the ratings for the various competing boats, and to resolve any disputes.  Usually the Regatta Measurer is from a different region to give an outside unbiased perspective, so it is an opportunity to visit other islands and meet new groups of sailors from within and outside the Caribbean, as well as an opportunity to see some very interesting boats up close.

The measurer collects a fee for his/her services.  A set amount (currently 2 US$ per foot) goes to the CSA; the remainder to the measurer.  Another service the measurer provides is yearly updates of ratings for boats with a previous year’s certificate.

We are especially interested in measurers from Puerto Rico, Antigua, St. Lucia, ABC Dutch islands and Grenada.

A typical monohull measurement takes 2-3 hours. Rig and hull measurements are taken, both on board and off the boat from a dinghy and/or dock.  Sails are physically measured or measurements from the sailmaker may be accepted.  Care must be taken to ensure correct sails are being provided, specifically the largest headsails and spinnakers intended to be used. These measurements are recorded on paper and then input into the rating rule via a website accessed by the measurer.

Once the measurements are recorded into the website, the measurer checks the measurements and the assigned rating.  After verifying the data, the measurer certifies the rating which may now be used to score boats in a regatta.

The multihull measurement process is similar.  An important additional step is the multihull must be directly weighed. If not physically weighed, the measurer is obligated to determine the lightest published weight of the boat using readily available manufacturer’s data (high production multihulls only).  High performance multihulls require the style of dagger board to be determined, for example, C or L shaped lifting foils.  Similar to the monohull system, the measurer then inputs the information and submits it electronically.

For more information or if interested in becoming a CSA Measurer, please contact Chief Measurer Bastien Pouthier at rating@pouthier.eu.

© Caribbean Sailing Association 2018