 'A'
Class Rules |
Aged 44, A Computer Technician. Having sailed
18's and being involved in R/C Cars, Planes etc. After a neck injury the
natural progression was to R/C Yachts and I have been involved for the
past 9 years, in that time I have won 8 State Titles, 2 National Titles
and twice Runner Up at Nationals, other interests include fishing and 4
wheel driving in the Australian Outback especially South Australia's Flinders
Ranges!
In Australia there are four classes of R/C yachts
sailed competively at National Level. These are the 1 metre, Marblehead,
Ten Rater and "A" Class. Even though I sail three of these classes and
have even sailed a couple of regattas with the 1 metre class my favourite
by far is the International "A" Class.
The A class is the largest and most graceful of the ARYA recognised R/C yacht classes.
The class is based on a similar formula to that used by the full size 5.5 Metre yachts.
The formula which was conceived in 1928 has proved over the years to be very good at producing yachts of various sizes being competitive. So successful has the rule been that It is not uncommon for yachts designs up to 30 years of age still be competitive in the right conditions. Strongholds in the class are UK, Denmark and Australia with good fleets also racing in the USA.
Typical class dimensions can vary from 1.65 - 2.3 metres (65 -80 inches) length and 11.3 - 23kg (25 - 50lb) displacement. Average weight in the USA are towards the bottom of the range, while the UK fleets are towards the top. Australian yachts are around 13.6kg (30lb).
Although most racing is "Fleet" racing, the "A" class is the perfect formula for America's Cup style match racing with such closely matched speeds. Australia has at present a match racing series using this class based on the America's Cup (without the lawyers and court costs), the regatta is the David Burns Cup (named in remembrance of a prominent ACT skipper) and has been contested about half a dozen times with clubs in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria all having held the trophy.
National championships In Australia always seem to have 10-15 yachts competing, while in the UK 35 plus fleets are not uncommon.
Even though these fleet numbers seem low compared to other classes "A" class always seems to keep these numbers without fluctuations in membership.
The class is one of the most cost competitive to get involved with as yachts made of wood or just plain fibreglass are competitive against carbon/fibre or kevlar hulls.
The A class is large enough to handle most conditions and does not require a lot of water depth (less than 500mm depth) The size of the yachts usually require a medium to large car to transport them. The A Class in administered by the IACA, The International A Class Association.
In Australia "A" Class yachts are sailed competitivly in all States, with South Australia & New South Wales having the biggest fleets. Even though the latest International Class the 1mtr, was proposed as the cheapest introductory class into R/C yachting, this over the last 3 years it seems has failed. The "A" Class is still the cheapest class on the international arena, at National and World Championships yachts valued at no more than $700 (AUST) are winning. One of the reasons is the fact that some of the yachts only need one or two suits of sails, also the class is restricted to one mast which if using Carbon/Fibre is a significate price saving.
The "A" Class was first developed 1922 with the British magazine "Yachting Monthly" offered a challenge cup for international competition using sailing models for design testing, Major Malden Heckstall-Smith was the creater of a rating rule which was to be used for the class. The class was originally known a SIX METRE. the rule has produced yachts similar in speed even though very different in design.
Unlike many of the classes in IYRU-MYRD, the International A Class rule has experienced few changes over the years. The boats designed to the rule were basically similar in appearance with a fully faired keel that usually extended to the rudder. But with time comes changes and innovations in design, materials and ideas. Boats designed now are much lighter, faster and easier to build than the plank and frame or bread and butter hulls of old. Boats are built using fibreglass, kevlar, carbon/fibre and wood; the sails are dacron or mylar replacing Egyptian cotton.
Even with these style yachts competing the New South Wales State Titles sailed on the 10th of November 1996 was won by the oldest yacht in the Fleet, with 8 year old sails.
Unlike the sensitive and quirky 1Mtrs & the
"thoroughbreds of R/C Yachting," the Marblehead, the International A Class
boat is easy to sail and stable when properly trimmed. Its size, weight
and inertia resemble the feel of a full size boat and of course they look
very elegant on the water.
Interesting Links
Glenn
Pascoe Mail: 22
Jones St BERRI S.A. Australia 5343
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