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.

Fourth instalment by Andrew Wright

Model yacht class is the A class, the largest of all model yachts, and an impressive site to watch racing.

Boats in IRSA A Class are not limited in length, but are controlled by a formula which balances waterline length, displacement, and sail area. Using this formula, sail area reduces as displacement reduces and as waterline length increases. The formula was devised in 1922 by Major Malden Heckstall-Smith, then editor of the Yachting Monthly, for testing an alternative to the International Linear rule. A similar rating rule is still in use today in the 5.5 Metre class rule which also uses elements of the Linear rule. Although A Class boats are of a heavy ‘type’ there is flexibility to create lighter hull forms which excel in brisker conditions. Nevertheless they are big boats compared with other rc classes and a fleet of A Class boats is an impressive sight. A modern A Class will usually be made using carbon fibre – hull, foils and spars.

The class was given Classic Class status in 2004. For full information concerning what this means please see the IRSA Regulations.

A's can be vane or radio, the vane boats carry a spinnaker downwind, an impressive sight.

Next in our history/ information posts on Yacht classes is the RG65 not to be confused with the DF65, though they are similar in design, and looks, size and transportability.

by Andrew Wright

RG65 Model Yacht History

The RG65 model yacht has a rich history, originating in South America and gaining popularity in Europe and North America. The class was first called G65 and was developed in Argentina in the 1950s. It was initially a free sailing class before the introduction of remote control. The RG65 class has seen a significant spread since its inception, with active fleets in various countries including England, Holland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Poland, Germany, and Ireland. In the USA, the class gained traction in 2008, with the first US RG65 regatta hosted by Duke City MYC in Albuquerque. The RG65 class is known for its small size, low cost, and the freedom it offers in design and materials, making it a popular choice among sailors.

I imagine the early boats were not as weatherly as their modern counterparts due to keel technology, in the early days, and indeed until the 90's carbon keels were not the norm, and grp and wooden keels could not have been built as long as the carbon keel of the modern era.  Unfortunately I have not been able to find photos of the early boats.

This class lends itself to being 3D printable and competitive designs are available some free, on the internet.

Generally they are sailed with a swing rig topsuit, and all the smaller suits of sails are often conventional rig as this has been found to be the most competitive, as also applies to the Marblehead model yacht.

Fifth instalment by Andrew Wright.

Model yacht history is the ever popular DF65. Original idea from the RG65, but with more restrictions to maintain a lower price point, and encourage more people into model yachting. DF65's have become very popular, most clubs racing them, and a very active class association with TT (Travellers Trophy) races being held all over the country on various weekends.

AI Overview

+5

The DF65 model yacht, or Dragon Force 65, was developed around 2012 by a group of model sailing enthusiasts, including David Potter, to create a more affordable and accessible radio-controlled yacht for newcomers. The first version was launched in 2013, with subsequent versions and continuous minor modifications released by the manufacturer Joysway to address issues and improve the design. Its popularity has led to the creation of numerous racing fleets and class associations worldwide.

Development and launch

• Conception:
  The idea originated from a need for a lower-cost entry-level radio-controlled yacht to attract new members to the sport.

• Design:
  The design was a collaborative effort, with development taking place in the early 2010s.

• First appearance:
  The boat was first shown to the public at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2013.

Versions and improvements

• Version 1:
  The initial release had a few minor problems, such as a weak bow that was reinforced in later versions.

• Version 2:
  Introduced a modified bow and different elastic sheeting fitting to resolve the previous issue.

• Version 3:
  Featured a plastic servo tray and a modified switch.

• Later versions:
  Continued to evolve, with major updates like version 6 which featured a redesigned hull, rigging instructions, and packaging, though the hull's performance remained similar to previous versions.

Impact and popularity

• Accessibility:
  The DF65's low cost and ease of transport and building have made it extremely popular with both new and experienced model yacht sailors.

• Class structure:
  The restricted nature of the class rules, which allow for different rigs to suit various weather conditions, has helped foster close and competitive racing.

• Community:
  Its success has led to the formation of many clubs and associations, with a thriving community of members sharing information and organizing races.

Micro Magic day today by Andrew Wright.

A lovely transportable design, very popular on the continent, especially in the Netherlands, area championships and open meetings held regularly. Started to take off well in the UK, John Tushingham did a lot of work, producing ball raced goosenecks and mast fittings, and rigs that could be used in various wind conditions, however they declined in the UK, hopefully now a new manufacturer has been found they may make a comeback.

The Micro Magic model yacht was originally designed by Thomas Dreyer and manufactured by Graupner in Germany, patterned after the Mini 6.5-meter racing yachts. It grew into an international racing class when European sailors formed a class association to race the design, with fleets established in numerous countries. After Graupner ceased production in 2019, Hacker Model Production in the Czech Republic resumed manufacturing in late 2020, with the new models considered high-quality successors to the original.

Origin and development

• Original design:
  The Micro Magic was initially a remote-controlled model boat manufactured by Graupner, based on a full-sized racing yacht.

• Inspiration:
  The design was inspired by the single-handed, transatlantic Mini 6.5-meter yachts popular in Europe.

• Class creation:
  European skippers saw the inherent design quality and established it as an international racing class with its own rules and a class association.

Manufacturing and availability

• Original manufacturer: Graupner of Germany was the original manufacturer.

• Production halt: Graupner ceased production of the boat in 2019.

• New manufacturer: Hacker Model Production in the Czech Republic took over production in late 2020.

• Quality: The new Hacker models are considered high-quality successors to the originals.

Key features

• Size:
  The boat is about 53.5cm /(21 inches) long and weighs a minimum of 860grams.

• Performance:
  It is known for having outstanding sailing characteristics in a wide range of wind conditions.

• Construction:
  Standard kits feature an ABS hull and deck, carbon fiber spars, and high-quality rigging.

• Ease of transport:
  Its small size and light weight make it easy to transport and sail.