6 Metre (keelboat)
Encyclopedia
The International Six Metre Class is a class of racing yachts. Six Metre boats (often called 6mR) are a construction class, meaning that the boats are not identical but are all designed to meet specific measurement formula, in this case International Rule. At their heyday, Sixes were the most important international yacht racing class, and they are still actively raced around the world. "Six metre" in class name does not, somewhat confusingly, refer to length of the boat, but product of the formula; 6mR boats are, on average, 10-11 metres long.
The International Rule was set up in 1907 to replace earlier, simpler handicap system which were often local or at best, national, and often also fairly simple, producing extreme boats which were fast but lightly constructed and impractical. Six Metre class was the smallest rating established under the rule and thus most popular, and they were chosen as an Olympic class in 1908 Summer Olympics
. However, it was not until revision of the Rule in 1920 when the Sixes really became popular international racing class. 1920s and '30s were 'golden age' of the Metre Rule boats and Sixes were most popular class, attracting top sailors and designers to compete from prestigious trophies such as Scandinavian Gold Cup
and Olympic medals.
Alexander Robertson and Sons Ltd (Yachtbuilders)
produced a total of five 6-Metre yachts between 1921 and 1953. In 1937 their young naval architect David Boyd designed the sleek 6-Metre racing yacht Circe, which was described by many as the most successful racing yacht produced at the yard. Mr J. Herbert Thom, one of the Clyde's best helmsmen sailed the yacht with tremendous success in America in 1938 and brought back the Seawanhaka Cup, which was successfully defended in home waters the following year. In later years Circe represented Russia in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
However, Sixes were also criticized as too expensive and towards the end of 1930s they became more so, making the class too exclusive. Already in 1929, 5 Metre class was established as a cheaper and smaller alternative for Sixes, but the final blow was creation of International 5.5 metre class in 1949. 5.5 m soon replaced 6mR as the premier international racing class, and after 1952 Helsinki Olympics
Sixes were dropped from Olympic regattas. The Gold Cup
was also transferred to 5.5 m class from 1953 onwards.
Despite this, the class continued to exist, and new boats were made utilising the newest contemporary technologies, although sparingly. During 1980s, many old sailboat classes experienced revival of interest and Sixes were at the forefront of this development. The Class has undergone a renaissance which has continued to the day, with many old yachts restored or rebuilt to racing condition, and 6mR competition is once again thriving. Performance differences between classic and modern era Sixes are usually small and they can be raced together.
The 6 Metre Class is one of the potential Vintage Yachting Classes for the 2012 Vintage Yachting Games
.
class, which was designed by Cornelius Shields and based on the 6mR boat Saga.
History
Sailing at the 1908 Summer Olympics
Sailing/Yachting is a Olympic sport starting from the Games of the 1st Olympiad . With the exception of 1904 and possible 1916 sailing was always a part of the Olympic program....
. However, it was not until revision of the Rule in 1920 when the Sixes really became popular international racing class. 1920s and '30s were 'golden age' of the Metre Rule boats and Sixes were most popular class, attracting top sailors and designers to compete from prestigious trophies such as Scandinavian Gold Cup
Scandinavian Gold Cup
Scandinavian Gold Cup is a sailing race held annually for 5.5 metre yachts. It is a nation race, meaning that each participant nation can send only one boat/team. Despite its name, it has been an international competition almost through its entire history, and participating is not limited to...
and Olympic medals.
Alexander Robertson and Sons Ltd (Yachtbuilders)
Alexander Robertson and Sons Ltd (Yachtbuilders)
Alexander Robertson started repairing boats in a small workshop at Sandbank, Argyll and Bute in 1876, and went on to become one of the foremost wooden boat builders on Scotland's River Clyde. The 'golden years' of Robertson's yard were in the early 1900s when they started building IYRU 12mR & 15mR...
produced a total of five 6-Metre yachts between 1921 and 1953. In 1937 their young naval architect David Boyd designed the sleek 6-Metre racing yacht Circe, which was described by many as the most successful racing yacht produced at the yard. Mr J. Herbert Thom, one of the Clyde's best helmsmen sailed the yacht with tremendous success in America in 1938 and brought back the Seawanhaka Cup, which was successfully defended in home waters the following year. In later years Circe represented Russia in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
However, Sixes were also criticized as too expensive and towards the end of 1930s they became more so, making the class too exclusive. Already in 1929, 5 Metre class was established as a cheaper and smaller alternative for Sixes, but the final blow was creation of International 5.5 metre class in 1949. 5.5 m soon replaced 6mR as the premier international racing class, and after 1952 Helsinki Olympics
Sailing at the 1952 Summer Olympics
Sailing/Yachting is a Olympic sport starting from the Games of the 1st Olympiad . With the exception of 1904 and possible 1916 sailing was always a part of the Olympic program....
Sixes were dropped from Olympic regattas. The Gold Cup
Scandinavian Gold Cup
Scandinavian Gold Cup is a sailing race held annually for 5.5 metre yachts. It is a nation race, meaning that each participant nation can send only one boat/team. Despite its name, it has been an international competition almost through its entire history, and participating is not limited to...
was also transferred to 5.5 m class from 1953 onwards.
Despite this, the class continued to exist, and new boats were made utilising the newest contemporary technologies, although sparingly. During 1980s, many old sailboat classes experienced revival of interest and Sixes were at the forefront of this development. The Class has undergone a renaissance which has continued to the day, with many old yachts restored or rebuilt to racing condition, and 6mR competition is once again thriving. Performance differences between classic and modern era Sixes are usually small and they can be raced together.
The 6 Metre Class is one of the potential Vintage Yachting Classes for the 2012 Vintage Yachting Games
2012 Vintage Yachting Games
The 2012 Vintage Yachting Games is the second post-Olympic multi-class sailing event for discontinued Olympic classes. The event will be held July 7–15, 2012 on Lake Como, Italy. The organization of this event lies in the hands of the Multilario, a joint venture of local yacht clubs at Lake Como...
.
Offshoots
Several variations of the rule have been developed to meet specific criteria. Perhaps the best known is International One DesignInternational One Design
The International One Design is a class of sail boat developed for yacht racing. It is a 33-foot open cockpit day sailer used for day racing, rather than for overnight, or ocean races, such as the Newport–Bermuda Yacht Race...
class, which was designed by Cornelius Shields and based on the 6mR boat Saga.
See also
- Sailing at the 1908 Summer Olympics - 6 metre classSailing at the 1908 Summer Olympics - 6 metre classThe 6 Metre was a sailing event on the Sailing at the 1908 Summer Olympics program in Ryde. Three races were scheduled. 15 sailors, on 5 boats, from 4 nation competed.- Results :13px = Male, 13px = Female- Extra awards :* Gilt commemorative medal:...
- Sailing at the 1912 Summer Olympics - 6 metre classSailing at the 1912 Summer Olympics - 6 metre classThe 6 Metre was a sailing event on the Sailing at the 1912 Summer Olympics program in Nynäshamn. Two races were scheduled plus eventual sail-off's...