one design class sailboat

ONE DESIGN CENTRAL

Where to go for everything one design, what is one design sailing.

One design is a form of racing where all boats are virtually identical or similar in design. Class-legal boats race each other without any handicap calculations, start at the same time, and the winner is the first to cross the finish line.

There are more than 200 actively raced one design classes in the U.S. The classes range from eight-foot Optimist dinghies to the 12 Meter sailboats, J/105, Farr 40s, and more.

One design classes are broken down into fleets that are located at various locations like, yacht clubs, sailing centers and other organizations. Club or fleet racing takes place on a regular basis all over the country, and many fleets welcome newcomers. Contact your local sailing organizations to get involved in one design sailing and ask for the name(s) of the fleet captain(s).

US Sailing One Design Next Gen Sailor Survey for the Under 30 Sailor

Assessing Sailing Trends of the Next Generation. The One Design Committee of US Sailing has launched a survey to determine baseline information for sailors primarily between 18 and 30 years old. We are hoping to identify trends within sailing and the wider industry including use patterns, activity levels, and attitudinal responses.  This will also allow US Sailing to better understand the trends of gender and racial diversity within sailing. Everyone under 30 years of age is encouraged to participate. The Survey is Closed, Results to be posted late February/March 2023

US Sailing One Design Classes and Sailor Tracing Survey Results 2022 Survey results release February 2, 2023- Click Here

List of Classes that responded to the classes survey: Click Here

TEST RULE 18 - Learn more here CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR CLASS TAKE PART IN THE TEST

Subscribe to The One Design Line e-newsletter

New to sailing, news & resource center, one design awards, one design racing, class selector, class finder, fleet finder, fleet/class support, social resources, sailor resources, e-newsletters: od line, one design experiences, member benefits, contact the one design committee, one design class leaders - stay connected with us sailing, update class leadership contact information here, one design class calendars.

One Design Events

How to add events to the us sailing calendar, add your od class event *, us sailing approved world or north american class championships, is your class event on the "approved" us sailing list check below., pursuant to world sailing regulation 25, us sailing board of directors is authorized to grant approval for world and or north american  championships being held in the united states. to learn more, scroll down to sailor resources, and select u.s championships, olympics, world events or, click on the "sailor resources"tab on the right sidebar., approved world or na events list click here make sure you select the sheet that represents the correct year.  *please note- national championships do not need to be filed with us sailing, just world or north american events being held in the u.s.a., don't see your class event listed, have a class leader or event host file an event with us sailing: https://form.jotform.com/73543790646162.

To be updated monthly

• Stay informed by subscribing to The One Design Line, a NEW e-newsletter for One Design Sailors and Classes

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One Design Sailing Awards

US Sailing recognizes One Design achievements through the One Design Sailing Awards.

One Design Awards include:

John H. Gardner Jr. Trophy for One-Design Service and Leadership, One-Design Club Award, One-Design Regatta Reward, and One-Design Creativity Award,

To learn more about each award and submit a nomination today click the link below:

US Sailing Awards

NOMINATION PERIOD March through mid-November, each year with winners announced in early January of following year.

2023 Nominations now CLOSED

Are you new to sailing?

The right sailing program for you might be just down the street!

Dinghy (Small Boats)

Dinghy sailing is a simple, inexpensive way to get started in the sport in small boats. The fundamental basics of sailing are most easily learned in dinghies. Many dinghies are designed for both youth and adults though some, like the Optimist, are designed specifically for youth sailors.  Dinghy sailing can provide a lifetime of enjoyment through recreational and competitive sailing. Generally, dinghies are under 22 feet in length. They include a wide assortment of designs that typically have centerboards or daggerboards. Because of their size and simplicity, many dinghies can be sailed by just one, two, or three people.

Learning to sail is part dream, part great instruction, and part hands-on experience. Most youth start sailing in dinghies many adults do too! Many youth and community based sailing programs offer learn to sail courses for adults in small boats.

LEARN TO SAIL - DINGHIES

2022 One Design Award Winners Announced click here

The One Design Awards. From left: Eric Bussell, Kathy Dryden, Chris Wright, Rob Bowden. Not present: Kristen Zillman for San Diego Yacht Club

LEARN MORE ABOUT the US SAILING ONE DESIGN SAILING AWARDS

2023 NOMINATIONS now CLOSED

Browse our Where to Sail map for listings of sailing schools, yacht clubs, and community sailing centers near you.

Where to Sail

Small Keelboat

If you are looking to learn how to sail on a more stable platform, small keelboats might be the way to go for you. This type of boat has a weighted keel that counter-balances the force on the sails. US Sailing Accredited Keelboat Schools offer up to seven levels of courses where you can accumulate skills and experience with each level of certification. This Learn to Sail Certification Program starts with Basic Keelboat and progresses on to whatever level you choose. Having a US Sailing Keelboat Certification may make it easier for you to rent or charter a boat, but it will give you the ability to sail with confidence.

Not every learn to sail location is a US Sailing Accredited Keelboat School. Ask if they offer learn to sail courses on small keelboats.

LEARN TO SAIL- KEELBOAT

WHERE TO FIND A KEELBOAT SCHOOL

Class News and Resource Center

Share timely news, resources, and content from your class association across all classes on One Design Central. This area is NOT meant to be used for regatta specific information; event recaps, press releases.

Types of Shareable Content for posting:

• Best practices
• Equipment updates
• Class rules updates
• Human Interest story
• Tips/Help/Support
• Online Symposiums
• Measurement updates/seminars
• World Event, Rally, Sailing Festival

Please send your published content to [email protected] with URL so we can post and link back to your class website or Face Book page.

We know you are running and organizing great regattas for your classes! Thank you for serving the sport. However, this space is NOT for regatta/event recaps and press releases.

Put US Sailing on Your Email List: [email protected]

Need to Update Class Leadership Contact list with US Sailing? CLICK HERE

COMING SOON! One Design Boat Grant, Loan, or Lease to Own Programs Listing!

US Sailing One Design Next Gen Sailor Survey for the Under 30 Sailor - RESULTS to be Presented during the 2024 US Sailing National Sailing Programs Symposium and shared with Class Leaders.

• Assessing Sailing Trends of the Next Generation. The One Design Committee of US Sailing has launched a survey to determine baseline information for sailors primarily between 18 and 30 years old. We are hoping to identify trends within sailing and the wider industry including use patterns, activity levels, and attitudinal responses.  This will also allow US Sailing to better understand the trends of gender and racial diversity within sailing. Everyone under 30 years of age is encouraged to participate. READ MORE
• SURVEY CLOSED: September 1, 2023
• Results to be presented during the US Sailing National Sailing Programs Symposium - February 1-3, Savannah, GA. Be onsite for the results, Register Today https://nsps.ussailing.org/
• Results will be shared with class leaders in February.
• US SAILING 2022 ONE DESIGN SURVEY RESULTS PRESENTATION released February 2, 2023

Club Team Racing Gets Its Due- Article:  Sailing World by Gary Jobson May 16, 2023

• Peter Keck, One Design Sailing Champion Crowned at the 2022 Championship of Champions October 9, 2022 Shore Acres Yacht Club, Brick, NJ Read More
• World Sailing Looking for Classes/Fleets/Clubs to Test new Rule

[email protected] .

• Are you a One Design Class Leader looking to share information or learn from other class leaders? Our US Sailing One Design Class Committee created a Facebook group where is it easy to ask questions and share ideas and/or challenges with others who have similar perspectives as you.
• This group is private and by invitation only. Invitations are being sent to the lead administrators for all US Sailing member classes.
• It is a World Sailing requirement to file the event with US Sailing. CLICK HERE

https://youtu.be/dP-qe1jjGJo

Competition naturally results when sailors and boats get together in the same place and sail around each other.  It is normal for a sailor to want to test his or her skills against other sailors.  The way to do that is by racing.  For one design sailors, there are many options when it comes to formats for racing.

Are You New To Racing?

Check out this great presentation for beginner racers by chris snow:.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14vGdC9AjSz9gJpWyJ5hV86QD0Ri7OSfd/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=105375812249044831950&rtpof=true&sd=true

Fleet Racing

Fleet Racing is a type of racing in One Design classes where all boats of the same type race against each other at the same time on the same course. The winner of a One Design fleet race is the boat who crosses the finish line first.

More Fleet Racing information to follow as page is built out- a redirect link to a Fleet Racing page will be placed here.

Team Racing

Team Racing is a type of racing where one team (comprised of two, three or four boats) competes against another team in the same kind of One Design boat.  The team who wins the race between the two has a lower combined score than the other team using low point scoring (first =1 point; second = 2 points; third = 3 points, and so on).

LEARN MORE ABOUT TEAM RACING

Match Racing

Match Racing is a type of racing between two One Design boats.  It is one boat vs. the other boat.  The winner of the race is whichever crosses the finish line first with any or all obligations/penalties satisfied.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATCH RACING

Adaptive Racing

Adaptive Racing may also be referred to as Para Sailing, and is for sailors who have a disability (physical, vision-impaired, intellectual, cognitive, etc) who are participating in an event with other sailors with a disability.  Most of these races take place in One Design boats that have been adapted for the sailor to aid independent operation of the boat.  Many of these races take place at events that include clinics.  Para Sailors may also be found racing in "Open"  events against able-bodied sailors.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADAPTIVE RACING

Ratings Racing/Portsmouth Yardstick

Ratings racing is a type of fleet racing and is typically done by a fleet comprised of a variety of one design boats.  This may be a great solution for an organization or location that doesn't have enough of any  single kind of one-design boat to create its own fleet but when grouped together can form a combined fleet.

Portsmouth Yardstick is  ​one of the most widely used handicapping system.  It is based on average historic performance data  ​of a class to assign a "rating" to each One Design boat in the fleet. The Portsmouth Yardstick is a handicapping system that allows multiple classes of one designs and other smaller boats to sail on the same starting line and race course with corrected time results. The winner is determined by the formula provided in the rating rule.

US Sailing has partnered with the RYA to create a more robust platform for Portsmouth Yardstick Racing using the PYOnline platform.

The new PYOnline platform is exclusively for US Sailing member organizations. PYOnline will produce updated ratings for each class after a day or event of sailing.

Key Advantages:

• PY Online streamlines submitting race results digitally, with the potential to update ratings on a daily basis.
• Each Club has their own portal in PY Online allowing local updates to specific classes for better racing based upon local conditions.
• The ratings will become more accurate over time, ensuring that competition stays fresh on the water. This means no one boat or class is guaranteed a win or loss based upon ratings alone.
• US Sailing will update the national ratings for a given class on an annual basis, based upon the ratings used by the individual clubs.

Portsmouth Yardstick racing becomes better, more robust and more fun with more clubs and sailors participating. Please consider adding a mixed fleet racing event or series to your calendar. Contact [email protected] with any questions or to discuss how PYOnline can help your organization.

SIGN UP FOR  PYONLINE

What you need to know aoout the New Portsmouth Yardstick Online. A Q/A with Nathan Titcomb.

CLASS SELECTOR:

A phase ii build out feature that is currently under construction., what class is right for me.

This section will provide sailors with an interactive tool to help sort through various one design classes by answering a few questions. It will enable sailors to find a boat that best meets their needs. Please be patient as we work on this feature.

As we build this out, the search will filter through information based on a series of questions on things like:

• Youth or Adult
• Total number of crew
• Physical stature
• Spinnaker/non
• and other search options

Wianno Senior

Weta Trimaran Class of North America

Sail and Kite Boards

Land and Ice Boat

Nite Iceboat

Radio Controlled

Need to edit your class page? Just send an email to: [email protected]

Don't see your class listed above? Ask your class administrator to fill out the form below:

SUBMIT CLASS PROFILE

FLEET FINDER

THIS FEATURE IS BEING UPDATED - Thank you for your patience as we work on this site.

Are you an experienced sailor looking for a place to get out on the water?

If you are an experienced sailor, you may find yourself traveling or looking locally for a place to race or just go sailing. Visit our FLEET FINDER SEARCH to see what class fleets are close to home or near to where you might be traveling.

Don't see a class fleet represented, reach out to your class administrator and have them contact: [email protected] to learn how they can add fleets to the Fleet Finder Search.

This page is continually being updated with new additions of fleets, so check back regularly.

FLEET FINDER SEARCH

WHERE TO SAIL ONE DESIGN

Class Governance Resources

• Certified Race Officer Insurance.  US Sailing extends its commercial insurance for the benefit of US Sailing’s certified race officers, certified judges, and certified umpires, and to non-certified officials acting as volunteers for US Sailing (collectively referred to as Certified Race Officials (CRO)). Each specific scenario determines if US Sailing’s insurance is primary, excess, or does not apply.  Learn More
• SafeSport -  SafeSport training is a free online course that provides education and certification on sexual misconduct, emotional and physical misconduct and understanding your responsibilities around mandatory reporting. Learn More
• Ten Commandments for Successful One-Design Management by Gay Lynn

Race/Regatta Management Resources

Whether you are running an event for the first time or an experienced event planner, US Sailing has the tools to help you succeed.

REGATTA MANAGEMENT

• Regatta Management Planning Manual
• World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024
• US Sailing Prescriptions RRS 2021-2024
• US Sailing Regulations - amended February 22, 2021
• Individual U.S. Championship Conditions can be found on the specific championship webpages
• Code of Conduct  Last update- 2017
• Coaching and Support Boat Policy
• US Sailing 2021 - 2024 Hearing Decision Form - Formerly, Protest form used by Protest Committee
• Using Regatta Network part one (5 minute tutorial)
• Using Regatta Network part two (3 minute tutorial)
• Yacht Scoring
• Club Spot/Regatta Toolbox
• Organizing a Great Regatta
• Five Tips for Regatta PR Success by Doug Wake
• Race Management Tips for the Last Day by Jeff Johnson
• Conduct of Championships by Clark Chapin
• The Great Event - an Interview with Phil Richmond, Regatta Chair Extraordinaire
• Find a Race Official  (Race Officers, Judge, Umpires, Classifiers, Measurers at all levels- Club, Regional, National, International)
• Become a Race Official
• Race Committee 101  is a New US Sailing training program that provide an overview of race committee functions for those who are interested in learning more.
• Race Participation
• Participation

Fleet Support

• Start Small with Big Ideas-Starting a New Sailing Club
• How A Boat Grant Program Works - International Lightning Class Association
• Fun is the Key by Dave Irish
• Different Strokes – A Trophy for Fun by Ron Schauble
• Ten Commandments for Successful One-Design Management  by Gay Lynn
• Racing Rules Book Club Article by Clark Chapin

We are in the process of collecting articles and information that will help a broad spectrum of one design classes and fleets with the topics listed above. If you have an article or information that you can contribute to this section, please send it via email to:

[email protected]

Safety Concerns

US Sailing is committed to fostering a fun, healthy, and safe environment for all sailor athletes.

• Covid-19 Resources
• SafeSport -  SafeSport training is a free online course that provides education and certification on sexual misconduct, emotional and physical misconduct and understanding your responsibilities around mandatory reporting
• Life Jacket Association -COVID-19 Virus: Cleaning & Storing your Life Jackets
• MTI Lifejackets - COVID-19: Recommended Methods for PFD Sanitization
• Traveling with your Inflatable Lifejacket
• Cold Assessment Reference Card- Hypothermia
• US VHF CHannel Information

US Sailing Facebook One- Design Forum

• Are you a One Design Class Leader looking to share information or learn from other class leaders? Our US Sailing One Design Class Committee created a private group on Facebook to share best practices, learn from others and grow your class.
• This group is private and by invitation only. Invitations are being sent to the lead administrators for all US Sailing member classes. We have created a place where is it easy to ask questions and share ideas and/or challenges with others who have similar perspectives as you.
• Class leaders will have the opportunity to invite another class member to the group once the initial emails have been sent.
• Please note that you must have your own Facebook account to join a group.

Rules Related Topics

What you need to know about APPEALS

2021-2024 US Sailing Prescriptions

Dave Perry's Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing Products

• Sampling of Dave Perry's Rules Quizzes

Rules Related Publications

• US Sailing 2021 - 2024 Hearing Request Form Formerly, Protest Form

Tools for Organizing Your Team:

Crew Manager Providing a boat website with features the skipper and crew will use throughout the sailing season. https://crew-mgr.com/

CrewSignUp Enabling crew members to indicate their availability and you to select who will race. http://drapers.us/crewsignup/

Phlotilla Providing an extensive set of crew / team management tools. https://phlotilla.com/

RailMeets Bringing crew and captains one click closer. https://railmeets.com/

RegattaBoard Crew Finder - Short Notice https://www.regattaboard.com/

SailConnect Helping everyone spend less time organizing and more time on the water. https://sailconnect.com/

TeamSnap Taking the work out of play. https://www.teamsnap.com/

Crew Medical & Health Insurance - Specialized health insurance with worldwide overage for professional sailors, coaches, instructors, Olympic team members, collegiate sailing athletes, paid crew/captains, and international cruisers who are members of US Sailing.  Learn More .

One Design Insurance Program.  Specialized insurance for one-design boats under 30-feet. Can be purchased online.  US Sailing members may be eligible for a10% discount.   Learn More .

Tuning Tips

Content to follow - under construction

Calibrating Your Rig On The Fly

• Tuning Your Boat for Performance by Chris Snow
• Finn Gybing with plenty of breeze on! 30 Knot Gusts!
• Steering in waves
• Finn Pumping explained by Ben Ainslie ,
• Steering in waver
• Finn tacking tips
• Light wind sail trim/speed training Fin Club Holland
• Dinghy Academy: Finn free pumping in 20 knots, a hard day at work...

Tactics & Strategy

Content under construction

• North U is offers live and on-demand webinars on tactics and sail trim. US Sailing members are being offering special pricing on these sessions. Visit the North U website and use promo code  USS20NU  to save 25% and gain access. The North U Trim Webinar is a series of 4 sessions. Purchase individual sessions at $30 each (regularly $40) or all 4 session for $108.75 (regularly $145).
• Youth Racing Central - US Sailing Members Only Feature- Login with your member ID and password- Youth and Adults Welcome

Youth/Adult - Learn to Sail- Getting Started

First Sail Opportunities/Locations

First Sail Locations

• Small Boat Instructor Programs
• Keelboat Instructor Programs
• Teach Sailing the Fun Way for Instructors
• Safety as Sea - Our Safety at Sea experts set high standards for the most authoritative and proven methods for keeping sailors safer while they enjoy the sport. Countless hours of research conducted by our dedicated volunteers have allowed US Sailing to provide instructional materials, publications, courses and seminars that are made available to all interested sailors. These educational opportunities include our widely popular Safety at Sea Courses.

One-Design Event Calendar (add your class events here)

Us sailing one design calendar, learn how to add your class event to the us sailing od calendar- click here.

*Membership with US Sailing required to access this feature through a "My US SAILING" account - Join/Renew Today

U.S. Championships, Olympics, World Events

• What Are My Options
• 5 US Sailing Youth Championship Events
• 10 US Sailing Adult Championships
• Hosting a US Sailing Championship
• Three Planning Calendar
• US Sailing Area Map and Representatives
• Olympic Development Program
• Filing World Events with US Sailing - https://form.jotform.com/73543790646162
• Check to see if your event has been add- CLICK HERE
• *National Class Championship Events do not need to be approved through this process.

ATTENTION - N.I. E. Applications no longer a required travel document for Entry to U.S.A.

On November 8, 2021, at 00:01, Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-⁠19 Pandemic goes into effect.   All previously issued NIEs are void as of this date regardless of stated validity.   

You can find out more about the new travel requirements  here.  Travelers can check what COVID documentation they will need  here.

This change eliminates the National Interest Exemption process for upcoming regattas/events in the US.

Stay Healthy - Fitness and Training

• The Starboard Portal Fitness Friday with Sailing Performance Training CLICK HERE scroll down to the Fitness Section on the page for a complete list of videos. Tune in for live classes each Friday.

Sailing Workout Plan: The 15 Best Home Exercises for Sailors - YouTube

Fitness Top Tips with Finn Sailor Andrew Mills - Pumping Iron with the British Sailing Team - YouTube

E-Newsletter

The one design line archived issues, archived editions of the one design line:, issue no. 01 - july, 2020, issue no. 02 - september, 2020, issue no. 03 - october, 2020, issue no. 04 - november, 2020, issue no. 05 - december, 2020, issue no. 06 - february, 2021, issue no. 07 - may, 2021, issue no. 08 - june 2021 - team racing, issue no. 09 - july 2021 - special olympic edition.

*If you have an idea for a future edition of The One Design Line   send an email to: [email protected]

To subscribe to the One Design Line e-Newsletter, fill out the quick form at the top of the One Design Central webpage.

One Design Experiences with  

My class, my story : the comet.

'One sailor’s Deep connection to his beloved one-design class serves as an example of why we sail the boats we do.'

By Dave Reed

We all have it: that human fascination with the new. Even the cereal I’ve been eating for years is now “new and improved” (which makes we wonder whether Quaker has been selling me an inferior breakfast all these years). I digress. Our curiosity is for new, new, new, all the time. New boats, new races, new classes, new experiences — you name it. We fill our social media feeds, our websites and even the pages of this magazine with new things. And while we’re all so focused on the new, it’s easy to ignore the older classes, boats and fleets that the majority of racers hold near and dear. Click here to continue reading.

If you are interested in submitting a My Class, My Story article, contact: [email protected]

My Class, My Story ARCHIVES

• My Class, My Story: Interlake by Erika Seaman
• My Class, My Story: The Day Sailer by Erika B Seamon
• My Class, My Story: E-Scow by Rachel Beers
• My Class, My Story: The Comet by Dave Reed
• My Class, My Story: DN Iceboat by Pete Pierce
• My Class, My Story: The Ensign by John Cutler

US Sailing Member Benefits

To access these and other member benefits, please log into your My US Sailing account and click on Member Coupons and Benefits on the sidebar.

• Membership with USSA provides sailors opportunity to the appeal process
• U.S. and World Championship eligibility
• Education and Training - Access to US Sailing Programs
• US Sailing Store - Save 25% (certain restrictions apply) Member- only pricing on US Sailing products including publications from the US Sailing Store
• Safety at Sea Training - US Sailing Members can use the following promo codes for discounts on Safety at Sea items in the  US Sailing Online Store : SAS5  – $5 OFF Safety at Sea:  Coastal (Units 1-5) Online    SAS5  – $5 OFF  Safety at Sea: Offshore Upgrade (Units 11-15)   SAS10  – $10 OFF  Safety at Sea: Coastal Upgrade (Units 6-15)    SAS10  – $10 OFF  Safety at Sea: Coastal Online Plus  Safety at Sea: A Guide to Safety Under Sail and Personal Survival     SAS25  – $25 OFF  Safety at Sea: Offshore (Units 1-15) Online
• Boat US -10% of water towing services. Access your MY USSAILING account for discount code and sign up online at BoatUS.com/join  or call 800-395-2628.
• Cabrinha - 20% off the retail price of any Cabrinha product. Visit https://adventuresportsusa.com/   log into your MY USSAILING account for the discount code to redeem your exclusive member benefit.
• US Sailing Team Athlete
• US Sailing certified Race Official
• Getting started is simple and free. Go to www.expertvoice.com/us-sailing  and sign up. Questions? Contact ExpertVoice Partner Services  [email protected]
• Fell Marine - Wireless Kill Switch (MOB+ Wireless Man Overboard System and Products). Members save 15% off – Log Into your MYUSSAILING Account to access coupon code and visit  Fell Marine .
• Gill - 10% off - US Sailing Members get  10% off Gill access your MY USSAILING account for discount code. Visit gillmarine.com  for online purchases or show your valid membership digital card at Gill’s Flagship store in Newport (364B Thames St. Newport, RI) to recieve 10% off your purchase in-store.
• Hobie Polarized : Save 25% off the retail price of Hobie Polarized Sunglasses. Log into your MY USSAILING Account to access coupon code and visit: www.hobieeyewear.com
• Landfall Navigation - $15 Off - Log into your My USSAILING Account to access coupon code and visit Landfall Navigation’s website and  register and checkout as a Landfall member . It is completely free to register on their website.
• McLaughlin - 15% off any items on  Optistuff.com excluding boats, sails and clearance items. Optistuff.com represents much more than just parts of the Optimist Dinghy. You can also purchase parts for a Laser, I-420, C420 and sailing apparel. Log into you MY USSAILING Account to unlock promo code.
• PerkSpot - sailors looking for product discounts
• Portsmouth Yardstick- Popularly used to rate centerboard boats, smaller keelboats, and multihulls. Portsmouth Yardstick is often used for local fleet races around the country. Learn More
• Reaching Ahead Mental Performance (RAMP) Training Program - Train your mental game to perform more consistently on the racecourse! For only $12 per month, access a new module each month from Dr. Tim Herzog’s Reaching Ahead Mental Performance (RAMP) training program. As long as you keep the subscription, you will have access to every module that’s been unveiled! As a US Sailing member, get the first month free. Log into your MY USSAILING account for coupon code and details.
• Safe Lakes Life Cords - US Sailing Members receive 10% off Safe Lakes Life Cords . Log into your MY USSAILING account for coupon code and details. Sail1Design - Sail1Design’s Job Board  is available to US Sailing members at a 15% discount. Setting up your listing by  creating a membership  with Sail1Design and  login to your account . Add your US Sailing member ID to your Sail1Design member information profile. Once this is automatically verified, you will see new Career Center and Marketplace posting/pricing categories appear.
• SailorsHealth Insurance - Gowrie Group offers US Sailing members access to the SailorsHealth Insurance Program which is a creditable, annual health insurance plan brought to you by GeoBlue. This best-in-class annual health insurance plan features worldwide coverage, domestic coverage, prompt access to doctors and hospitals, English speaking customer service, paperless claims, and more.
• SailFlow - Save 30% on SailFlow Plus or Pro memberships or purchase a bundled package including the WeatherFlow Wind Meter and a free one year SailFlow Plus Membership for $34.99. Visit SailFlow’s website to redeem.
• Sailing World and Cruising World - Special Member Pricing $15/1 yr Because of our strong partnership with Sailing World and Cruising World, US Sailing has secured the lowest subscription rate offered anywhere. US Sailing members pay only $15.00 for a year-long subscription to either publication. Take advantage of this discount when  renewing online  or call our office at 401-342-7900.
• SeaTactics offers US Sailing members discounted registration for courses. Log into your MY USSAILING account for coupon and details.
• Waterway Guide - All US Sailing members receive 25% off any Waterway Guide print publications. Visit Waterwayguide.com and log into your MY USSAILING account for coupon.
• Weems & Plath - 10% off all products online. Shop Weems & Plath online and access the promo code from your MY USSAILING account.
• Zim Sailing - EXCLUSIVE 10% OFF EVERYTHING at  ZimSailing.com . That’s 10% off sails, spars, parts, gear, dollies, and even clearance items. Log into your MY USSAILING Account to unlock coupon code.
• One Design Insurance Program - Specialized insurance for one-design boats under 30-feet. Can be purchased online.  US Sailing members may be eligible for a10% discount.   Learn More .
• The Burgee Program - Club and Organization Insurance. The only comprehensive insurance program developed to meet the distinctive needs of yacht clubs, community programs, and sailing organizations.  US Sailing members eligible for a 10% discount on the marine components of the program.   Learn more .
• US SAILING STORE - Save 25% (some restrictions apply) Member-only pricing on US Sailing products including publications from the US Sailing Store
• Nominate you National/North American or World Champion (Must be a US citizen) for the annual Championship of Champions Regatta.
• Promote your One Design Class as the boat used for the Championship of Champions.
• Weems & Plath - 10% off all products online. Shop Weems & Plath online for all your trophy needs and more. Access the promo code from your MY USSAILING account.

JOIN/RENEW TODAY

A Special THANK YOU to the 45 Volunteers From:

• Six Working Parties who took on topics identified from the One Design Sailors and Classes Survey from October 2019
• 62 One Design Classes
• 23 states across the country

It is through your passion, dedication and contributions that we were able to create this interactive webpage for One Design Sailors and Classes.

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

Most Popular One-Design Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

May 23, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• A class-legal boats race is for you to compete without special modifications to the boat
• Small boats are typically one-design but some can be up to 30 feet in length
• The two most popular one-design boat brands are Laser and Sunfish
• Each class association is governed by the US Sailing organization
• Youth sailors greatly benefit from one-design classes to help shape sailing skills

‍ One-design class sailboats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But what are the most popular one-design sailboats?

Popular one-design sailboats include Laser, 49er, I-420, and Ideal 18. Some popular multihull one-design boats are A-Cat, Isotope, and Hobie 16. Various one-design boat brands will cater to specific races and sailor’s needs in order to provide the best experience.

In my experience the Laser is one of the popular one-design brands in existence due to its rich history and sailors loyalty to the brand. Many other brands are right up there with it in terms of quality and performance.

Table of contents

‍ Top 15 Popular One-Design Sailboats

One-design sailboats are an international class of boats meant for solo sailing and racing. One-design racing incorporates virtually identical boats and some of the popular brands today have the best representation of the design class.

The Laser is the most popular racing dinghy across the world. It is a one-design sailboat they use in Olympic regatta and other world sailing events. There have been over 200,000 of these sold worldwide and they feature three rig setups to accommodate anyone that enjoys dinghy sailing.

The 49er is another sailboat that is considered among the best of world class racing sailboats. This small sailboat is a double handed skiff and requires that you have plenty of skill to handle it. The popularity has exploded since its debut in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The I-420 is a one-design class sailboat that is sailed around the world. It is commonly used in sailing schools and clubs for sailors that want to hone their skills as a dinghy racer. This boat is classified as an Olympic Development Class for all athletes trying to join the Olympics.

If you are wanting a blend of high performance competitive sailing without being too difficult then the 470 is the perfect boat. This incredible boat was introduced in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and is still currently used today for many of the races for design classes in the Olympics. These boats are used for the men’s and women’s double handed racing.

A popular one-design keelboat is the Ideal 18 that requires skill rather than any special rigging to win a race. It is one of the easiest boats to rig and is best for single handed sailing. You can use either a roller furling jib or self tacking jib to accommodate your sailing needs.

The A-Cat is part of the International A-Class and is an international developmental class for multihull one-design sailboats. It is 18 feet in length and is regarded as one of the fastest dinghy sailboats in existence. They mirror the quality used in the America’s Cup and are used in many races across North America.

Another one-design multihull that many sailors are switching to is the Isotope . This one-design class is a registered Formula 16HP class boat. At just 16 feet it is one of the fastest one-design multihulls out there.

The Hobie 16 is a one-design multihull sailboat that is one of the most iconic sailboats. It is in the Sailing Hall of Fame and is easy to sail. Sailors have loved this boat for over 45 years with over 100,000 sold worldwide.

The 29er is the younger sibling to the 49er one-design sailboat. This boat is a bit more advanced and perfect for youth that are wanting to take the next step up to the 49er. It has a race class devoted to it and is a great alternative to the Laser series if you have difficulty finding one.

A one-design boat that is geared towards a variety of uses does not get any better than the J/30 . It has the appeal of a racer cruiser and can accommodate all different types of sailing experience. This is perfect for those that want to race but not be tied down to limited options on the boat.

For youth that need a great starter one-design boat the Nacra 15 is a perfect option. It is a semi-foiling multihull that requires teamwork and is perfect for those that are building up the skills to one day be in the Olympics. At just under 16 feet it offers the ease of transportation anywhere the water is available.

The Atlantic is a classic one-design sailboat that is 30 feet in length and is fast. It has a keel and offers stability while remaining fast on the water. For nearly 100 years this 30 foot one-design has been at the top of its class.

Catalina 22

The Catalina 22 was one of the first boats inducted in the 1995 Sailboat Hall of Fame for good reason. It helped revolutionize the trailerable sailboat market and is a great one-design boat for sailing. It is great for the entire family and can be passed on for generations if taken care of properly.

A popular one-design sailboat that typically needs three or four people to sail is the J/22 . Hundreds of J/22 boats have sailed over the years since it was used in the 2004 Olympics. Its design allows it to remain competitive against older boats due to the strict one-design class.

The most iconic one-design sailboat out there is arguably the Sunfish . There are over 500,000 Sunfish boats around the world since the 1950’s and are used in roughly a thousand races a year. The beauty of this one-design is that it can be used as a racing boat or for casual day sailing.

Why One-Design Boats are Used for Racing

Sailing has been primarily used over the course of history to ship goods across waterways. Over time designs changed and people were interested in seeing who was faster than one another.

This led to the design of racing sailboats and were first used in the 1800’s in Greece. Fast forward over 200 years later and there are thousands of boats racing across the world in various competitions.

One-design boats are not only meant for racing and can be used for daysailing depending on the brand. If you want to be on the same playing field and for everyone else to do the same then one-design boats are ideal.

Need for Speed

There is a unique feeling when you see another sailboat just like yours and you have the itch to race it. This has always been a driving force behind racing and it is fueled by sailors that have a competitive outlook.

One-designs are meant to allow your skill shine and not the boat aiding in your ability to win. Dinghy sailing are boats that are under 20 feet and are typically handled by less than three people.

Importance of Design

One-designs are a balance of sport and comfort. Some boats are geared entirely for racing but there are plenty that balance perfectly as a daysailer and a racing boat.

Many will also have keels to provide added stability. A small keelboat is great for those wanting to have a bit more stability if they have a fear of tipping over in the water. Small keelboats are also great for those that are new to sailing and require a little help remaining stable.

Best for Training

If you are an inexperienced sailor or you want your kids to lean how to sail then one-design boats are the best option. Since these design classes all have to be similar depending on the boat length it is easier to learn on these than another type of boat.

This allows youth to easily adapt to the boat without being too overwhelmed or discouraged. It also helps if you start out on a one-design boat and then move up to a more advanced boat with a similar skill set needed to operate it.

In addition you can try out different types of one-design sailboats without having to buy one. This will allow you to get your feet wet with yacht clubs or other solo sailing organizations and have fun trying new boats.

What are One-Design Races?

One-design sailing is where an event of racing takes place and all of the boats that are competing are identical or very similar. The reason that these boats are nearly identical is so that no one competitor has an edge based on their boat rigging or any other special influences.

These races are entirely based on skill with minor help from the boat you are using so that everyone gets a fair shot. Everyone starts at the same time and the first to go across the finish line is the winner.

There is an estimated 200 or more one-design race classes around the US and vary in boat length from eight to 40 feet. These races are narrowed down among various racing organizations and clubs across the world.

Different Types of One-Design Races

There are many versions of one-design racing that sailors can join. This all depends on your experience or potentially a club that you are a part of. In the Olympics you will also see various one-design races.

Match races are quite common among one-design sailing. This is where two sailboats are of the same design or very similar are competing against one another to determine a winner.

The only major difference between the two boats sailing against each other is the crews on board each boat. Depending on the experience of the crew will greatly affect the outcome of the race.

Arguably the most common one-design racing is fleet. This is where either a small handful of boats or even up to 100 at a time can compete to cross a finish line in a given location.

These are great because you have a lot of sailors starting at one spot at the same time in very similar or identical boats. This is the same setup used in the Olympics and is why it is the most common race type.

Sailing clubs are great for building experience and camaraderie among your sailing peers. These can vary on one-design use but most will outline exactly what type of racing is going to be conducted.

These typically use various forms of racing types or one-design sailboats depending on location. In addition you can race to be the best of your club and earn a trophy.

Team racing is a bit different than other races that deliver a winner as soon as they cross the finish line. These are usually a few one-design boats with a few people on board and will award points to those teams depending on how they finish the race. The team that has the lowest amount of points after each race is the winner and it will require a few races to determine a winner.

Regatta races can vary based on location and will use different types of one-design sailboats. These races typically last a few days and will need teammates if the event is geared towards a team event. Most people enjoy regattas since they offer one of the best social interactions lasting a few days.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to travel hundreds of miles or sail for days on end to reach a destination first then offshore one-design sailing is right for you. These races require extensive knowledge in order to remain safe. They typically have one-design requirements so that everyone is on the same playing field.

If you have disabilities and still want to enjoy sailing then paralympic sailing competitions are right for you. These are one-design sailboat races meant to handle skill and can accommodate to anyone attempting to sail.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Yankee One-Design

Yankee one design.

New England yacht clubs competed against each other with fleets of YODs from 1941 to 1956. When the clubs switched to fiberglass racing designs, their Yankees began new lives as family boats. The few YODs that remain now sail far from each other in America, France, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The Iconic Wooden Racing Class

Yankee One-Designs are a joy to sail, thanks to their balanced, responsive helm.

Each YOD has its own story. We tell them here .

Please visit our new  forum  to chat about the YOD mystery boats, restoration projects, winter maintenance plans, plus all the joys and hacks of owning a wooden boat.

If you'd rather be sailing,  browse our photo gallery .     

Designed in 1937, and invariably made of wood, YODs combine the spiritual aspects of wooden boat sailing with the thrill of a boat that thrives in heavy weather.  

About Yankees

Y39 Lot’s Wife has a new home! Congratulations to new YOD owner Matt Benson!

View the media library of YOD construction and sailing images.  This is Y43 at  NWSWB .

Read about Starling Burgess and the birth of the YOD class in  Wooden Boat Magazine #221

A Legendary Designer

The Yankee racing class came from a 1937 design competition with the mandate to create the ultimate racing boat for all conditions, from the light air in Marblehead to the afternoon winds of Buzzards Bay. 

In 1937, America's Cup designers Burgess, Herreshoff, and Paine judged a well publicized design contest for the new Yankee One-Design class.

But behind the scenes, the YOD design committee hired Starling Burgess to draft an anonymous entry which they sent to the boat builder before the deadline for the contest had even passed. 

In 1937, America's Cup designers Burgess, Herreshoff, and Paine judged a well publicized design contest for the new Yankee One-Design class. ​ But behind the scenes, the YOD design committee hired Starling Burgess to draft an anonymous entry which they sent to the boat builder before the deadline for the contest had even passed.

Yankee One-Design Specifications

Length   30′ 6″

Beam  6′ 6″

Waterline 24′

Draft 4′ 6″

Sail Area  312 sq ft

Displacement 4,775 lbs

Lead Keel  2550 lbs ​

YOD News and Congratulations

New owner Matt Benson tells us GandB is doing a fantastic job in finishing the upfit and prepping the boat for new seasons.

Matt plans to take the boat out of the salt, and will be moving it to Lake Chauatuqua.  As you might know, Contessa is on that lake, owned by Tom Hubbell. Matt says he just felt like those boats needed to be together, and looks forward to the fun of having two Yankees sailing at the same time. 

Next Chapter

Hats off to Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway for the expert rebuild of Y39 Lot’s Wife. It's been refitted with a new backbone, keel, and forekeel, as well as new frames, floors, cockpit coamings, side, and after decks. In line with the upgrades of Y42 and Y43, its scantlings have been reinforced for added strength.

Now, at 70 years old, Y39 is ready for a new chapter of sailing, blending classic beauty with modern brawn.

Y39 Rebuild

Welcome to the official web site of the

S2 9.1 Meter North American One Design Class Association.

The 9.1 Meter is a 30 ft. one design racer/cruiser sailboat manufactured from 1983-1987 by S2 Yachts in Holland, Michigan.

The mission of the S2 9.1 Meter Class Association is:

•   to support and promote active one design racing of the S2 9.1 Meter

•   to facilitate the sharing of information regarding the use of the S2 9.1 Meter for racing, day sailing and cruising

•   to support the sailing interests of S2 9.1 Meter owners around the world

The S2 9.1 Meter Class Discussion Board is the official source for all information about the Class Association.   Inside you will find everything you need to know about Class Rules, activities, racing and the boat, including tons of technical info.

The public is free to view and read the Discussion Board but the Class Association requires that users establish a user “profile” before posting any comments or questions.   As a security measure to protect the information on this site and to prevent spamming of board members, all user profiles must be approved by the Class President before users can begin posting to the Discussion Board.   Instructions for establishing a user profile can be found at the top of the main Discussion Board page.   The approval process is typically very quick.   You will receive an email reply regarding the status of your user profile.   When you establish a profile, we ask that you provide as much information as possible about you and your boat and we encourage you to turn on the “automatic email notification” feature of your profile.   This feature automatically sends you an email any time someone posts on the Discussion Board, enabling you to quickly and easily contribute to the sharing of information and the satisfaction of sailing an S2 9.1 Meter sailboat.   Rest assured that the Class Association does not share your contact information with anyone – and, using the profile manager function, you have the option of hiding your information from public view.

We ask that all sailors of S2 9.1 Meter boats support the ongoing existence of this web site through the payment of annual membership dues.   Please print the membership form and mail your dues today. It is available in both PDF and RTF format for your convenience.

Contact information for the Class Association Officers can be found inside on the Discussion Board.   If you need technical assistance please send an email to:

The S2 9.1 Meter One Design Class Association is a member Class of US Sailing .

Last Updated: April 19, 2007

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Sail1Design

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November 30, 1999 by Sail1Design Editor Leave a Comment

Without Compromising Either One The Lightning, a 19 foot trailerable centerboard sloop, was originally designed by Sparkman & Stephens as an affordable family day-sailor and racing boat. She has evolved into one of the most popular and competitive one-design racing classes in the world. Awarded ISAF International Class status, the Lightning is sailed in more than 13 countries and in the Pan American Games, and the class provides a professionally-managed association that is among the largest in all of one-design sailing. The Lightning’s rig is simple, but offers sophisticated sail shape controls. The hull features a unique hard chine design that combines the stability that provides sail-carrying power, with flat bottom sections that promote planing. The International Lightning Class Association protects the boat’s design and licenses custom and private builders to build boats under its administration. A list of Lightning builders is available from the ILCA upon request.

Dinghy Responsiveness, Sportboat Performance

The Best Of Both Worlds Whether racing or daysailing, the Lightning offers a combination of performance and stability that eludes most one-designs. The Lightning’s hard chine and 130 lb centerboard give her the stability and power of a small keel boat going to weather in strong winds and allow her to carry a very large spinnaker for breathtaking offwind rides. There’s room in the cockpit for two couples or a family to daysail, but the Lightning is easy to ramp launch and light enough to trailer with ease. In the event of a capsize, she can be righted and sailed dry by her crew.

Refined Design, Toda

The Best Of Both Worlds Whether you’re more interested in how a boat looks or how it behaves, it’s hard to beat the Lightning. The Class maintains an attitude that promotes conservative innovation, making the boat faster, safer and more maintenance free, while keeping prices affordable. Most Lightnings built in the last 25 years can be made competitive and it’s not uncommon to see them winning races right along with new ones. In fact the 1995 World Champion sailed a boat built in 1969! Modern Lightnings are built in foam-cored fiberglass with stainless steel centerboards and black anodized aluminum spars. The world’s top sailmakers give the class their best efforts. In short, there are enough controls to keep the most technically inclined happy, but it’s good tactics, boat-handling and hiking that win races.

The Best Competition In The World Or A Way To Get Away From It

The Best Of Both Worlds

Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Ken Read, Dave Dellenbaugh, Dave Curtis, Bruce Goldsmith, Tom Allen, Neal Fowler, Steve Benjamin, Ched Proctor, Bill Shore, Greg Fisher, Andy Horton are just a few of the rock stars who have competed in the Lightning. After more than 60 years and more than 15,000 boats it’s easy to find a regatta when you want to. But whether you’re interested in serious racing or you just want to go for a joyride with the family, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Lightning. Club Racer Or International Icon

The Lightning truly excels as a racing boat. It requires a wide range of different skills, both tactical and technical. At 700 pounds all up, the boat is tough enough to avoid frequent breakdowns, but light enough to plane wildly on the reaches. A World Championship is held every two years. North American, South American and European Championships are held each year as are innumerable regional and District championships. Major regattas attract some of the finest sailors in the world, but you find class members friendly and the sailmakers’ complete tuning guides helpful at getting you up to speed in a hurry.

The International Lightning Class Association

Welcome To Our World

The ILCA is one of the oldest and best organized class associations in sailboat racing. Its primary purpose is to serve its membership, preserve the integrity of the Lightning and provide high-quality competitive events. In addition, the ILCA publishes a monthly newsletter Lightning Flashes with up-to-date regatta news, boat brokerage and ideas on how to get the most out of your Lightning. An annual Yearbook, containing many illustrated articles, reports on major championships, fleet reports and a complete association mailing list, is also published. The professional ILCA staff is always on hand to assist both current and potential members. If you’re looking for a boat you can be proud to sail, one that offers dinghy handling with the performance of a sportboat, a refined design that’s free of fads, complete with the technology of today for both racing and daysailing

Get The Best Of Both Worlds. Get into a Lightning. See you on the water. David Dellenbaugh, former Lightning World Champion and starting helmsman for 1992

America’s Cup defender America3

The Top 10 Things I Like About The Lightning: 1. There’s Lightning racing almost everywhere. 2. Some of the best sailors in the world sail the Lightning. 3. Lightnings are available from more than one high-quality builder. 4. Lightnings even 20 years old are still competitive. 5. The boat is one of the best crew trainers on the water today. 6. The class is not so strict as to discourage experimentation which makes the boat faster and easier to sail. 7. The Lightning has interested the finest sailmakers in the world so the sails and the tuning guides look great and are easy to use. 8. The Lightning is a very roomy boat for daysailing. 9. Lightning sailors sail hard, but they’re not too cutthroat – someone’s always ready to answer questions. 10. The class management is as good as you’ll find in one-design sailing. For more information about the International Lightning or to arrange a test sail in your area, call or write to the address listed below.

Design: Sparkman & Stephens, 1938 Over 15000 built More than 500 fleets worldwide Length: 19’0″ (5.8m) Beam: 6’6″ (2m) Displacement: 700 lb (318 kg) Draft (board down): 4’11” (151.3cm) (board up): 5″ (12.8cm) Mast height: 26’2″ (7.9m) Sail area (main & jib): 177 sq.ft. (spinnaker): 300 sq.ft. Crew (racing): 3

Class website: http://www.lightningclass.org/index.asp

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One Design Classes

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Welcome to the Holder 20 One Design Website!

Our Mission Statement The Holder 20 One Design Class believes that the purpose of the organization shall be to encourage one design sailing as a competitive sport and recreation, to promote interest in seamanship, and to encourage one design among fellow sailors.

Who We Are:

We are the Official site of the Holder 20 One design Sailing Association

Welcome Sailors, Holder 20 enthusiasts who are interested in maintaining the one design attributes of the Holder 20 sailboat have formed the Holder 20 One Design Class Association. We have been accepted as a national class association by US Sailing. The web site has information and forms available to download, including our constitution, and some forms including a response card to return if you are interested joining the Holder 20 One Design Class Association.

You do not need to be a boat owner to be a member of the Class Association. Please encourage your spouses and crew to register their own memberships.

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Resources by Boat

West Coast Sailing provides replacement parts, equipment, and resources for many popular one design sailboat classes. Use this page to find the boat you currently own and view all of our latest guides, parts diagrams, videos, advice, and how to articles so that you can properly maintain or update your boat, find replacement parts, or gear up with the right sailing gear.

Actively Supported One-Design Classes

West Coast Sailing provides dedicated one-design / original manufacturer supplied fittings for many popular small sailboat classes. These are classes with active builders and a current supply chain for replacement parts and fittings. We do our best to maintain stock of the key spare parts and upgrades you need to keep your boat on the water.

• PDF: Rigging Guide
• PDF: Parts Locator & Diagram
• Guide: Updating & Restoring an Old Laser
• Guide: Laser Sail & Rig Sizes
• Guide: Laser Line Lengths Race / Laser Line Lengths Rec/Classic
• Guide: Laser Spar Rivet Guide
• Videos: Laser Rigging on YouTube
• Shop: Laser Parts & Accessories
• Shop: Sunfish Parts & Accessories
• PDF: Parts Locator & Diagram (LaserPerformance)
• PDF: Parts Locator & Diagram (Zim Sailing)
• Guide: C420 Line Lengths
• Shop: C420 Parts & Accessories

FJ (Flying Junior)

• Guide: FJ Line Lengths
• Shop: FJ Parts & Accessories
• PDF: McLaughlin Owners Manual
• PDF: Opti Sailors Booklet
• PDF: Guide to Optimist Spars
• PDF: Guide to School Spars
• Guide: Opti Line Lengths
• Shop: Opti Parts & Accessories
• PDF: Rigging & Assembly Guide
• Shop: Tasar Parts & Accessories
• Shop: 29er Parts & Accessories

Vanguard 15

• Shop: V-15 Parts & Accessories
• Guide: Hobie 16 Line Lengths
• Shop: H16 Parts & Accessories
• Shop: H14 Parts & Accessories
• Shop: H17 Parts & Accessories
• Shop: H18 Parts & Accessories

Hobie Bravo

• Shop: Bravo Parts & Accessories
• Shop: Wave Parts & Accessories

Hobie Getaway

• Shop: Getaway Parts and Accessories

Hobie Adventure Island

• Shop: Adventure Island Parts & Accessories

Hobie Tandem Island

• Shop: Tandem Island Parts & Accessories

Hobie Kayaks

• PDF: Universal Parts Locator & Diagram
• PDF: Hobie Mirage Drive Parts
• PDF: Hobie Mirage Drive 180 Parts
• PDF: Hobie Kayak P&A Catalog
• Shop: All Hobie Kayak Parts
• PDF: Parts Locator and Diagram
• Link: RS Aero Class Association
• Shop: RS Aero Parts & Accessories
• Link: RS Feva Class Association
• Shop: RS Feva Parts & Accessories
• Shop: RS Quest Parts & Accessories
• Shop: RS Quba Parts & Accessories
• Link: RS Tera Class Association
• Shop: RS Tera Parts & Accessories
• Shop: RS Zest Parts & Accessories
• Shop: RS Venture Parts & Accessories
• Video: RS 21 Overview on YouTube
• Link: RS 21 Class Association

Other One-Design Classes

West Coast Sailing provides one-design (original manufacturer fittings) for the various classes listed above. If your boat is not listed above , we do not currently provide support in this capacity. This may be due to lack of a current manufacturer for the boat or lack of a source for buying the parts. However, we do carry a wide range of general hardware, blocks, line, and other equipment that can be used on a variety of small sailboats and keelboats. We've compiled a list of boats and links to known resources below. In some cases we may offer a selection of hardware commonly found on a given boat, or a selection of lines or rigging. For questions about older boats that are no longer in production, we encourage you to search online, in forums, or on class association pages for current info related to parts or suggestions on fittings that may work for your boat.

• Shop: Blocks & Hardware
• Link: Class Association

Flying Scot

• Link: Class Builder

Hobie Tiger

• Link: Hobie Support Page

Hobie 21SC/21SE

Hobie Holder 14

Hobie Holder 12

• Link: SailboatData.com Page
• Link: Class Association Page

Coronado 15

Additional Resources

We stock over 10,000 unique items, but we still don't have every part or every solution for every sailor. Here are a few resources we recommend if you need advice or parts for boats we do not directly support or do not have specific one design or replacement fittings available for.

• SailingForums.com - A community for asking questions and sharing information about various sailboat classes. A great resources for out of production or hard to find boats.
• Rudder Craft - Based in Idaho, Rudder Craft provides custom rudder and tiller parts. They are a great resource for these components for boats that are no longer in production.
• Dwyer Aluminum Mast Company - US based suppler of aluminum mast extrusions and fittings, including universal hardware.

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One-Design Wingfoil Racing Takes Off

• By Fiona Wylde
• March 19, 2024

the simplicity of putting your equipment in the back of the car, driving to a local sailing ­center or beach, and getting on the water to rip around with friends at high speeds with minimal fuss is appealing to people of all ages and ability levels, which is why the emergent sport of wingfoiling has taken off. One-design racing is the next frontier.

Naturally, when a sport is new, its pioneers push limits to see what is possible, and it has been absolutely crazy—in a good way—to witness what’s been happening in the wingfoil world. Two years ago, a backflip on wingfoil equipment was practically unimaginable, but tricks today are far more complex, and racing speeds are at near scary levels. But landing ­mind-bending tricks and doing 40 knots on wingfoil equipment represents only the top of the wingfoiling pyramid, not the masses. 

In order to promote wingfoiling as an inclusive windsport, Starboard, an international watersports company based in Thailand, is focused on building a pathway for individuals and families to sail together, improve, compete, and participate in wingfoil events with limited barriers to entry. Starboard’s X-15 is the first such purpose-built package for one-design wingfoil racing.

The concept behind the X-15 Class is to have wingfoilers sail on the exact same equipment—which provides fun, safe and fair racing—while also building pathways for the development of young athletes and the nascent sport of wingfoil racing as a whole. To make it feasible for an adult weighing 180 pounds to sail on the same equipment as a youth sailor, the X-15, developed by Starboard, a manufacturer of windsurfing and wing gear, will have different equipment standards for the age divisions of U13, U15, U17, U19, and Senior. Every X-15 set includes the same FreeWing, an X-15 board, and the same Martin Fischer-designed Starboard foil. There is an option to purchase two additional Starboard foil front wings to accommodate sailors of different sizes and for varying weather conditions.

Initially, sailors will be allowed to race in different age groups, but they must use the equipment of the age class in which they are sailing. And, in order to ensure that wingfoilers can foil in very light conditions and continue racing with their same wing in windy conditions, FreeWing, the wing developer of X-15, has created an innovative reefing technology that removes the trailing edge of the wing to reduce the overall size by about 1 square meter.

The materials used in the larger FreeWing X-15 wings are built with the new material, built for strength, anti-stretch, and light weight to support the wing bladder. The FreeWing’s canopy is built with newly developed materials to make the wing durable and to prevent stretching. The smaller wings are built with Dacron in the leading edge, a move to keep costs lower for developing youth classes.

The complete X-15 ­package for a U13 sailor—with a 4.5-square-meter wing and an 82-liter board—is priced at around $4,214, and the Senior package, with a 6.5-square-­meter wing and 95-liter board, is priced at around $5,601. With an expected high demand this spring, equipment packages will be allocated to key ­development markets first.

Exhibition X-15 Class races were staged in Europe in 2023 and at the World Sailing Youth World Championships in Brazil, and the class’s focus in 2024 is to first develop regattas exclusively for youth sailors. The priority is on creating a fun and inclusive racing environment. The first international youth events are slated for June 2024, and as the class continues to grow, senior divisions will be added to certain events.

Fiona Wylde, of Hood River, Oregon—a windsurf, stand-up paddleboard and wing world champion—serves as the X-15’s first class manager and is founder of Wylde Wind & Water, a nonprofit focused on youth watersports safety and development.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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VESSEL REVIEW | Sinichka – Electric commuter boats designed for Russia’s Moskva River

A series of three new electric monohull commuter ferries have already begun operational sailings on the Moskva River in the Russian capital Moscow.

Built by Russian shipyard Emperium, sister vessels Sinichka , Filka , and Presnya – all named after rivers in Moscow – are being operated by the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development (Moscow Deptrans). They are the first units of a planned fleet of 20 vessels that will serve the capital city and other nearby communities. The new ferry system will be the water transport system to be operated on the Moskva River in 16 years.

Each vessel has a welded aluminium hull, an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 6.2 metres, a draught of only 1.4 metres, a displacement of 40 tonnes, and capacity for 80 passengers plus two crewmembers. Seating is available for 42 passengers on each ferry, and the main cabins are also fitted with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, tables, toilets, and space for bicycles and scooters. The cabin layout can be rearranged to allow the operator to adjust the distances between the seats and to install armrests of varying widths.

An open upper deck is also accessible to passengers and is the only area on each ferry where smoking is allowed.

The ferries are all of modular construction with each ferry’s wheelhouse, main cabin, and other structural elements being built as complete, separate components. This enables the ferries to be easily dismantled for transport to anywhere in Russia by rail and then quickly re-assembled within seven days.

The ferries are also ice-capable. Recently completed operational trials on the Moskva showed that the vessels can also easily navigate under mild winter conditions with broken surface ice, though year-round operations are planned for the entire fleet.

The ferries are each fitted with 500kWh lithium iron phosphate battery packs that supply power to two 134kW motors. This configuration can deliver a maximum speed of 11.8 knots, a cruising speed of just under 10 knots, and a range of 150 kilometres.

Emperium said the transfer of rotation of electric motors to the propeller is carried out by direct drive. As a propulsion installation, a pulling rotary propeller-steering column with double screws is used. The installation of double pulling screws, with similar power, allows an operator to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system to deliver a slightly higher speed or to reduce energy consumption. This arrangement also provides the ferries with enhanced manoeuvrability necessary for navigating in close quarters.

The batteries themselves have projected service lives of 10 to 12 years and are fitted with safety features such as built-in fire extinguishers and gas vents. Quick-disconnect features allow the batteries to be easily removed for replacement or maintenance.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country’s leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

Click here to read other news stories, features, opinion articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.

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Tags: Emperium Filka Moscow Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development Moskva River Presnya Russia Sinichka WBW newbuild

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