Model Boats and Yachts
3.1 Classification. A boat will be classified according to its rig and length.
3.2 Rigs. Boats are described under the following Categories:
- Category 1 Cutters [Defined as single masted boats with mainsail and jib(s)].
- Category 2 Schooners, Ketches and Yawls.
- Category 3 Beach Yawls [One whose keel runs the whole 1~ of the hull].
- Category X Boats not conforming to Categories 1,2 or 3.
3.3 Classes. For general and championship races, boats are divided into the following classes:
- Class A. Boats 27″ to 36″ inclusive. The measurement is the maximum hull length.
- Class B. Boats 21″ to 26″ inclusive. between perpendiculars, with a tolerance of 1/4.
- ClassC. Boats 15″ to 20″ inclusive.
There is no general restriction on the materials used for constructing boats. For championship races, age restrictions are applied: please see section 6.
3.4 Length. The overall length of a boat shall be the length of the deck including any feature of the hull or other fitting, such as a rudder, which extends beyond the surface of the deck, measured between perpendiculars. Boats will be measured to the nearest inch; over measurements within 1/4 inch will be rounded down and those in excess of 1/4 inch will be rounded up. The bowsprit or bumpkin is excluded from this measurement for classification purposes but these may be taken into account for handicapping. (See para 3.6)
3.5 Naming and Registering. A new boat should be brought before the committee to register its name, to measure its length and to determine its handicap, before it is first raced. The name and length shall be clearly inscribed on the boat. The handicap number will be shown in front of the boat’s name on the racing programme.
3.6 Handicapping. The handicap number is the overall length of the boat in inches, as described in para 3.4. However, if projections, bowsprit or bumpkin are not being fully used, or if these fittings exceed 50% of the overall length, the committee may add an additional handicap. This adjustment may also after the boat’s class.
3.7 Homemade Boats. A home-made boat is defined as one that has been entirely made by a maker who does not make boats for sale. ‘Entirely made’ is defined as; ‘shaped, finished, sails cut and all parts assembled’. A boat made from a kit is not ‘Home-made’.
For five years, a home-made boat may be sailed by the builder or a nominee of the builder. After five years, it may be sailed only by the builder or a child of the builder, in the builder’s lifetime. No more than four boats may be entered in a special race or Championship for home-made boats.
3.8 Veteran Yachts. These are boats that were sailed in Southwold prior to 1957.