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A word about Classes and their types
Much of this submitted by Richard A Hein dick_hein/AT/juno.com
Dick is AMYA Member #5, since circa 1972
and still sails many of these boats
(Some of it amended by the Class Secretary's themselves)
There are essentially two different kinds of classes. Development classes tend toward encouraging new designs, and One-Design classes tend to focus on restricting development to make all boats as equal as possible. In reality, there is an almost continuous range of types. The dividing line tends to be whether the hull is restricted to a single design, so be aware that some of the classes listed below as "one design" may not be as restrictive as others.
Contact Your Class Secretary to Register Your Boat
East Coast 12 METER (EC12) This one design has the smooth flowing classic lines of an America's Cup Contender of the late 1950's. It can be sailed in ponds only one foot deep, and can sail through most weed conditions. In winds up to about seven kts, this 58 in. LOA beauty cannot be beat for classic charm and performance. In higher winds however, that personality changes: the 9 inch draft, with rudder faired to the keel are not enough to compensate for the 1200 sq. in. sail area on a 72 in. mast. This 22-26 lb. beauty takes on a mind of its own. Mark roundings require coordinated sail trim with rudder movement. In higher winds, sailing downwind is a particular challenge and uncontrolled broaching is possible. Specifications permit two reduced area sail sets. Previous model making experience with a smaller model yacht will prove helpful in successfully outfitting an EC-12. This boat can be purchased from one of the approved manufacturers as a fiberglass hull only, as a short kit, or there are builders who will build a complete ready to sail boat. With a recommended minimum three channel radio, investment will be from $500. Class Rules Class Listings
INTERNATIONAL ONE METRE (IOM) This latest AMYA open design (developmental) class is really an old timer on the international scene. The overall length and maximum draft are identical to the AMYA US1M open class, but that is where the similarity ends. The IOM has a minimum weight of 8.8 lb, a required removable keel at 5.5 lb, and a required bumper included in its 1 meter (39.4 inch) length. Three closely controlled suits of sails are allowed, the largest at over 800 sq. in. area. This boat can be transported to water fully rigged in vehicles that have fold down rear seats. The close control of weight and sail rigs make this class sail much closer to being one design sailing than open class competition. This boat requires 18 inches of water to sail, and because of its long, deep keel is relatively sensitive to weedy water. With a selection between three sets of sails and its stable 8.8 lb weight, this boat has a wind performance envelope of 0 to 20+ kts. As in other open design classes, the hull can be scratch built or obtained as molded fiberglass hulls from multiple manufacturers around the world. Investment, with a two (max) channel radio, starts at $400 for scratch built versions with two suits of sails. Most manufactured fiberglass hulls start above $500. This boat will meet the US1M specification except when sailing with its #1 (800 sq. in.) set of sails. IOM photo page Class Rules Class Listings
MARBLEHEAD (M) The 'M' is one of the oldest developmental classes that is sailed throughout the world. The design has evolved radically over its 75 + year history to today's narrow beam, high aspect ratio keel and max. 85 in. tall, 800 sq. in. sail plan,. Many of today's competitive boats use a swing rigs: a pivoting mast system that allows the jib to move off the centerline opposite the main when sailing downwind. Since many of these 50 in. LOA boats have keels to 20+ in., ponds must be at least two feet deep and be relatively weed free. As a developmental class, you can design and build your own, or purchase fiberglass hulls or short kits from numerous suppliers around the world. With two or more sail rigs part of the pondside equipment, plus a minimum three channel radio, investment will be from $500 for your scratch built version. Class Rules Class Listings
(http://www.swcp.com/usvmyg) Class History (page at Vintage Model Yacht Group site)
SANTA BARBARA (S/B) This is one of the oldest classes in the AMYA but because it is one design, still has some of the first built boats sailing regularly in competition. Its 70 inch hull length puts some restrictions on your choice of vehicle to take this boat to water, but many compact hatchbacks with fold down rear seats will suit just fine. A shallow 14 inch draft, combined with a gentle sloped keel lets you sail this beauty in almost any water, including weedy conditions. The S/B's conservative sail plan on a 72 inch mast allows one person handling, and can provide some real excitement when small craft flags are flying and most of its big boat cousins are safely in the harbor. The S/B's fiberglass molded hull, keel and rudder are available as a short kit, and about $500 will put you in the water with a suggested minimum three channel radio. Class Rules Class Listings
US ONE METER (US1M) One of the oldest and most popular open design (developmental) classes in the AMYA and also a popular entry class, you can find competition in most every region around the US. Specifications are relatively basic for this class, and many hulls are available from scratch build and up to and including full kits. Sails are restricted to 600 sq. in. on a 65 in. mast. There are no weight restrictions, but keel depth is limited to 14 in. below the hull. This boat requires 18 inches of water to sail, and because of its long, deep keel is relatively sensitive to weedy water. By using different suits of sails, this boat can compete in winds from 0 to 20+ kts. This boat can be transported to water fully rigged in vehicles that have fold down rear seats. Investment starts at $250 for scratch built versions, with two channel radio and a single suit of sails. Full kits, less radio and winch, start at $300. Class Rules Class Listings
VICTORIA One of the latest entries in the AMYA one design fleet is a good performer for experienced sailors as well as excellent entry level sailors. Available as a complete kit, minor modifications to the quite detailed instructions can be made to achieve full performance of this boat. At 31 inches (780 mm) long, with an overall rigged height of 54 inches, this 4.5 lb. 'heavyweight' can travel everywhere fully rigged in most vehicles. It can be tuned to correctly sail in winds over well over 20kts. The Victoria will sail with 8 inches water, and is capable of cruising through most weed conditions. Recommended is a two channel radio and a sail winch of approx 130 oz/in torque with 180 degrees of travel. Total investment is under $200. Class Rules Class Listings
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