Agreement has now been reached on the installation of a ring frame bow bulkhead in the forward compartment of all Etchells. The bow bulkhead will be mandatory in all new boats built from 1 January 2008 and owners can now arrange to have it retrofitted to existing boats. Please refer to the letter to owners, fleet captains and licensed builders which can be found on the Etchells Class international website at www.etchells.org. Further details of the construction, drawing, installation and specifications of the bow bulkhead are available on the class website in the One Design Technical Documents section of the Rules page.

In Australia it has been agreed that only authorised builders are permitted to retrofit boats with the bow bulkhead. Owners are not to carry out the modification themselves. Your attention is drawn to item 5 in the above-mentioned letter to owners which states "Expect that all bulkhead installations will be inspected at future world and national championships. Non conforming installations will be protested." Kits including foam cut to shape and laminating and tabbing cloth are available from Pacesetter Etchells for $100 + GST (ex Newport). Contact Phil Smidmore on 02 9999 1250

The builders and their phone numbers who have been authorised to carry out the modifications in Australia are located on the Suppliers & Builders page, as "Ring Frame Modifications" for your fleet.

Consideration will be given to authorising builders for fleets in Blairgowrie, Geelong, Gold Coast, Metung, Mooloolaba and Mornington if appropriate details can be provided.