Rosalie B. wrote:
PyroJames wrote:

I was thinking more about Caribbean charters which is what I'm more
familiar with. I didn't know that the UK HAD charters, let alone
rules for building boats to go into charter. So I've learned
something. (Which I think is a good thing BTW)

There are very few rules about non-commercial sailing in the UK[1]. No
required qualifications for skippers or crew, no rules about the design,
construction or equipment of the boat[2]. Once money is involved,
though, all kinds of regulations apply. It can be quite expensive to
upgrade a privately-used boat to charter spec, and turning hatches round
is one of the things that gets mentioned.

If you close the hatch before you get underway, I can see no advantage
and PLENTY of disadvantages for the hatch to open facing the stern.
Why do you have that regulation?

Because plenty of idiots charter boats :-). I think the main reason for
it is in case the hatch is shut but someone forgets to close the
latches. If a wave comes onto the foredeck with the hinge at the front,
it will tend to push the hatch closed and only a little water will come
into the boat. With the hinge at the back, the wave will pull the hatch
open and rush into the boat.

Except that this is cross posted so it is not just uk.r.s, so it not
just a UK discussion.

I hope you won't object too much to my following the cross posted
thread, even if I don't know the UK rules.

I don't object at all. You're very welcome.

Pete

[1] Though our government seems to be doing its best to change that :-(
[2] There *are* rules if you're building the boat to be sold.