Classic One Metre Class

Everything Classic IOM

On Friday, 12th April 2019 our new fleet was launched.  

The aims of the new fleet were simple:-

*  To provide an environment where older boats could sail against others of similar vintage and  thus be able to do well in the results without alwaysand depressingly being beaten by more modern hulls. 

*  To allow newcomers to our sport the opportunity to experience the world wide wonder of the International One Metre class of yachts, and compete in races for a reasonable outlay and without disrupting the highly competitive nature of our main IOM fleet.

*  To provide a 'training ground' for people who wish to start in a small way and then aspire to good results with more modern hulls.
*  To have fun doing it in any weather!

We have some designs that are around twenty years old, including a TS2 and a 3-Dogs.  There are also a couple of Red Wines, as Assagai, a Box kite.  Two of us had planned to build Chardonnays this year but other projects got in the way.  Shame that we could not have a choice of wine other than RED!

Refurbishing an older IOM is very rewarding and provides a way to practice techniques that are not needed when a boat is acquired new for what can be a large amount of money.

Peter Lewin

Classic IOM Class Captain

A word from the Class Captain

Classic International One Metres

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This class was established in 2019 to give members a chance to race IOM yachts that were no longer wholly competitive in the main fleet. As a development class there are always new designs being produced as they strive to go faster across a wider range of wind speeds and water conditions. This leaves a lot of early models lingering in sheds and boat sheds and this fleet gives a chance to put them to good use. Prices are considerably lower than for the latest models with £250 buying a fully usable boat. The definition of a classic is difficult to put down but was started as nothing more recent in design than and including, a Lintel as it seemed that this was a bit of a turning point in IOM design. Prior to this hull shapes tended to be broader and with less rocker which made them less capable in either light winds or heavy winds with increased waves. The fleet races on a Friday afternoons with turnouts of up to 10 boats but with room for more. Boats do not need a current certficate but will be ‘check’ measured if something seems amiss. The idea is to get people involved with minimal expense, learn how set up and tune these lovely boats before perhaps progressing to the more competitive and up to date fleet. Training sessions, and on the water coaching is available with the friendly fleet always willing to help out newcomers, whether it be radio problems, uncertainty about the rules or how long to the next refreshment break. Racing is to the normal Racing Rules of Sailing in force at the time, those who hit a race mark or another boat (when they do not have a right of way) will be expected to do an appropriate penalty turn but the fleet fosters the idea that it is quicker and more polite to proceed around the course without collisions. P.S. You can also race with the main IOM fleet if your boat has a current certficate.