The Rule Working Party met for the first time in Annapolis, USA 24th - 25th March 2003. Chaired by Jean-Louis Fabry, the RWP discussed some initial views regarding the perceived needs and desires of the international offshore racing community and the feasibility or requirement for a new international rule to meet those needs.

The RWP was constituted under the auspices of three stakeholders (Offshore Racing Council, the Royal Ocean Racing Club and US Sailing). The RWP agreed that it needs widespread input and has produced a Grand Prix Rule Questionnaire intended to seek feedback from current or potential owners, designers, industry participants and sailors.

The Rule Working Party will be chaired by the French international yachtsman, Jean-Louis Fabry and comprises the following:

For far-reaching dissemination, the Questionnaire is broad in scope and will be distributed by mail and posted on the stakeholders¼ websites.

The RWP will confer on a more specific basis with members of the design and racing community over coming weeks.

The next meeting of the RWP is scheduled for late May at which time completed Questionnaires will be reviewed.