Let's talk yachts.....

Enjoy the beauty and skill of mastering the art of controlling the model yacht.

Join in the fun and racing at the lake.

I would like to do a small series of information outlining the history of model yachting in the UK, or indeed the world, staring with the oldest class the 10Rater.

By Andrew Wright

The 10 Rater is one of the oldest and most prestigious model yacht classes, originating from the 1887 Dixon Kemp "Length and Sail Area" rule for full-size yachts, which was adapted for models around 1893. This rule allows for innovative design development and fast, sleek, and light boats, emphasizing the inverse relationship between waterline length and sail area. Today, it's an International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA) class, known for technical advancement and international competition, with a contemporary rating formula of (Waterline Length x Sail Area x 8) = 10.  

Origins and Rule

Dixon Kemp Rule: 

The 10 Rater's history traces back to the 1887 rule, proposed by Dixon Kemp, which measured a boat's rating based on its waterline length (LWL) and sail area (SA). 

Model Adaptation: 

After the rule was adopted for full-sized yachts, it was soon adapted for model builders, leading to the continual activity of the 10 Rater model class from 1893. 

The Rating Formula: 

The foundational principle remains the same: a mathematical formula determines the boat's rating. In the modern era, the formula uses metric units, with (LWL in meters * SA in sq. meters * 8) equaling 10. 

Carrying on...

The second class to discuss is the second oldest model yacht class is the 36Rater or 36R. Now sailed as a radio yacht R36R, or 

V36R, controlled by a wind vane mechanism. Originally designed to be easily transportable by train or bus/ public transport.

The 36R (or 36-inch) model yacht class was established in England in 1929 by Mr. Stansfield Hicks to create a medium-sized, transportable, and competitively designed yacht for city lakes and club racing, based on a simple rule: the hull must fit into a 36" x 11" x 9" box. This developmental, design-free class allows for a wide range of design freedom, but the hull's maximum length has since been extended slightly to 37 inches to accommodate a bow bumper for radio control versions. The 36R class is still active today, with boats often built using traditional methods like the "bread and butter" technique and raced under the administration of the Model Yachting Association Great Britain (MYA).  

History & Origins 

Creation: 

Established in 1929 by Mr. Stansfeild Hicks, the 36R class was designed to meet the need for a medium-sized model yacht for sailing in city lakes and for easy transport to inter-club races.

Rule: 

The core concept was a simple "box rule" requiring the hull to fit within a 36" x 11" x 9" box, allowing for extensive design freedom within these constraints.

Name: 

The "R" in 36R stands for "restricted," referring to the size restriction imposed by the box rule.

Key Features & Design

Developmental Class: 

The 36R is a developmental or design-free class, meaning there are no specific design requirements beyond the box rule, no limitations on weight or sail area, and almost complete freedom for the designer. 

Transportability: 

The size restriction was a key factor in its creation, making the yachts easy to transport by train or tram to different sailing venues. 

Construction: 

Early 36R models were often built using the "bread and butter" method, from woods like mahogany and pine, with a beech plywood deck. 

Modernization: 

While originally free-sailing, the class has evolved to be sailed as radio control boats, leading to modifications like a rubber bumper on the bow and adjustments to the hull's maximum length. 

The Class Today

Active in the UK: 

The 36R class remains an established national class in Great Britain and is administered by the Model Yachting Association (MYA). 

First picture below is an early design 36R, second picture a modern 'Dark Matter ' 36R designed and built by Martin Dovey, and the third picture a pair of vane 36R's. The last picture a modern 36R sailing.

By Andrew Wright

Episode three of model yacht classes

by Andrew Wright

This covers the Marblehead, again like the 36R designed to be easily transportable in a family car, longer than a 36R because Marblehead yachts originate from Marblehead in the USA, and american cars were bigger than british ones....... The Marblehead (or "M") class model yacht, also known as the "50/800," originated in the USA in the 1930s, designed to be a large enough model to sail well but small enough (50 inches long with 800 square inches of sail area) to fit in a car's back seat. Popular for its convenient size and a simpler class rule compared to others, the Marblehead quickly gained international popularity, with Radio Control models evolving from early wooden boats with vane steering to modern, high-performance carbon fiber designs. The class rules, a formula class allowing for development within the set length and sail area, led to significant advancements in hull design and rigging, influencing full-size yacht design as well.  

History and Origin

USA, 1930s: 

The class was created in America during the Great Depression, a time when people had more free time for hobbies like model yachting. Originally a free sailing design, they were later fitted with vane gear, and still raced in this country with vane or radio gear

Convenient Design: 

The primary goal was to create a model yacht that was large and capable but still easily transportable, fitting in the back of a family car. 

Rapid Popularity: 

The Marblehead class quickly became one of the most popular in model yachting, becoming a national class in the US in 1932 and an international class by 1937. 

Key Characteristics

50/800 Designation: 

The class is defined by its 50-inch (127 cm) hull length and a maximum sail area of 800 square inches (5,161 cm²). 

Development Class: 

Marbleheads are a development class, meaning that while there are strict size limits, builders can develop and refine designs within these rules, fostering innovation in hull shapes and rigging. 

Evolution of Design

From Wood to Carbon Fiber: 

Early Marbleheads were built of wood with cotton sails and vane steering. Over time, designs evolved to lightweight carbon fiber hulls with sophisticated radio control. 

Rig Development: 

The limited sail area led to innovation, with designers developing taller, narrower rigs to maximize performance within the rule. 

Hull and Fin Design: 

As lead keels became longer, increasing stability, hulls became narrower to reduce drag, influencing the design of full-size yachts, including America's Cup boats. 

Radio Control: 

The shift from simple, self-sailing pond yachts redirected by sticks to remote control technology has further enhanced the high-performance nature of the class. Modern Marbleheads top photo, courtesy of Ryde Model Yacht club, bottom picture an early vane Marblehead.