The first International Rule was introduced in 1906 to create a fair basis on which yachts could be designed to be all of similar size and sail area. This was the introduction of true Class sailing. The Classes established were International 5,6,7,8,10,12,15,19 and 23 Metre craft.
Competition again pushed the designs to extremes and in 1920, the Second International Rule was introduced. Simple modifications were made in 1928 and the Third Rule was introduced. Build, maintenance and crewing costs depleted the Metre classes and while the Olympic classes during this period were comprehensive, only a few survived. Those that have, have shown the Metre formula to have matured to enable craft covering almost a century to compete together. A remarkable achievment.
New technology, lighter and stronger materials and computer wizardry continue the drive for faster and stronger boats. The Metre classes have a formula that can accept such changes-yet keeping to the concepts formulated in 1906. The 6 Metre Class in the UK is strong with more than 24 yachts sailing regularly. Come and join us!
"The Centre of Excellence for all Metre Class activities"
6 weekend Summer race programme in UK - PDF download
Official 6 Metre website - click here
British 6 Metre website - click here
Competition again pushed the designs to extremes and in 1920, the Second International Rule was introduced. Simple modifications were made in 1928 and the Third Rule was introduced. Build, maintenance and crewing costs depleted the Metre classes and while the Olympic classes during this period were comprehensive, only a few survived. Those that have, have shown the Metre formula to have matured to enable craft covering almost a century to compete together. A remarkable achievment.
New technology, lighter and stronger materials and computer wizardry continue the drive for faster and stronger boats. The Metre classes have a formula that can accept such changes-yet keeping to the concepts formulated in 1906. The 6 Metre Class in the UK is strong with more than 24 yachts sailing regularly. Come and join us!
"The Centre of Excellence for all Metre Class activities"
6 weekend Summer race programme in UK - PDF download
Official 6 Metre website - click here
British 6 Metre website - click here
The Metre Shed is the centre of Excelence for 6 Metre yachting.
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Fleet of six boats available for race charter -
Expert staff able to race tune boats
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Skilled workers knowledgable in all aspects of 6 metre repairs
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Special opportunity to sail in the Mediterranean September to March
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Mast stepping and Dry Sailing
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Transport and storage
NEW SWEDEN
Designed by Peter Norlin and built in Sweden in 1989, New Sweden is one of the most elegant Moderns around.
With her winged keel, excellent hull shape and generous sail area she is extremely quick, especially in medium to lighter airs. In 2006 she had an excellent racing season, winning both the Royal Southern Yacht Club 6M Regatta and the RYS Household Division.
BLADE RUNNER
Designed by Ian Howlett, Guru of 6 Metres and built for local sailor Larry Marks in 1987 at The Elephant Boat Yard.
This yacht has just returned from Sweden to compete in British Waters.
We do not have any further history
but if sistership “Battlecry” (top World ranker) is anything to go on she will be very fast!
TEMPEST OF UNIVERSAL
Designed by Sparkman Stephens and built in 1986 to compete in the Sewanhaka Cup.
This yacht was rescued by Avia Willment from life as a day sailer in Martha’s Vinyard, USA. The yacht has had a total restoration with new wing keel and rudder.
Winner of the 2006 French Open, 2nd British Open, 2nd at Cannes Regatta Royale.
AQUA-VITA
Designed by Swede, Pelle Peterson and built in 1971 as his personal raceboat. Fully updated with New Howlett Keel and Rudder. This boat is a witch.
Recent results include 1st in Spring Series, 1st Thirsty Series, 1st National Championships, 2nd Southern Six, 2nd Voile Classic La Trinite, 1st Regate Royale Int. 6 Class
“Racing a 6 combines both elegance and technical ability like no other class. They look fantastic in and out of the water, there is nothing like seeing a metre boat fully pressed trucking up wind and pointing like a witch. For the crew, all five are fully engaged all the time, the boats respond to trim adjustment, of which there are many, quickly and noticeably. Tactically, they are like racing much larger boats”.
“ I especially enjoy racing on the 6 , because it requires a massive amount of concentration and skill and most of all good team work. The ability to up the game and improve boat speeds by fractions of a knot is critical and when a crew manoeuvres go without a hitch it is very satisfying. The 6 is an incredibly tweaky boat that is very easy to knock out of the groove, and difficult to get in the groove in the first place. The Regattas are always very close racing, with constant place changing taking place, and the Regatta venues make for enjoyable competitive racing”.
“ I especially enjoy racing on the 6 , because it requires a massive amount of concentration and skill and most of all good team work. The ability to up the game and improve boat speeds by fractions of a knot is critical and when a crew manoeuvres go without a hitch it is very satisfying. The 6 is an incredibly tweaky boat that is very easy to knock out of the groove, and difficult to get in the groove in the first place. The Regattas are always very close racing, with constant place changing taking place, and the Regatta venues make for enjoyable competitive racing”.
