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			{{Short description\|International racing sailing class}}
	]
			{{Infobox sailboat specifications
	The '''12-metre class''' is a group of ] which, while not identical, are all designed to a particular ] - The ] - so as to make the boats involved in a competition roughly comparable, while still giving individuals the freedom to experiment with the details of their designs. The first 12-metres were built in 1907 and the last in 1987. The 12-metre class was used in the Olympic Games of ], ] and ] but only few boats participated. The 12-metre class boats are probably best known for their use from 1958 to 1987 in the ].
			\|name =
			\|image = Freedom1.jpg
			\|imagesize =
			\|alt =
			\|caption = The 12 Metre yacht '']'', third rating rule
			\|class_symbol =
			\|class_image = 12 Metre insigna.png
			\|class_imagealt =
			\|class_imagesize =
			\|crew =
			\|type =
			\|design = Development class
			\|construction =
			\|rig =
			\|keel =
			\|trapeze =
			\|loa =
			\|loh =
			\|lwl =
			\|beam =
			\|draft =
			\|hull =
			\|mastheight =
			\|mainsailandjib =
			\|sailarea =
			\|mainsail =
			\|jib =
			\|spinnaker =
			\|d-pn =
			\|rya-pn =
			\|phrf =
			\|year = 1907 (rule design)
			\|designer =
			\|location =
			\|role =
			\|updated =
			\|olympic = former
			}}
			The '''12 Metre class''' is a rating class for racing sailboats that are designed to the ]. It enables fair competition between boats that rate in the class whilst retaining the freedom to experiment with the details of their designs. The designation "12 Metre" does not refer to any single measurement on the boat, and is not referencing the vessels overall length, rather, measures the sum of the components directed by the formula which governs design and construction parameters. Typically 12 Metre class boats range from 65 to 75 feet (about 20 to 23 m) in length overall; they are most often ]-rigged, with masts roughly 85 feet (26 m) tall.

			The first 12 Metres were built in 1907.<ref>{{cite web\|title=12 Metre Class Yacht CYGNE\|url=http://www.12mrclass.com/yachts/detail/273-itemId.511706987.html\|website=www.12mrclass.com\|access-date=2017-01-22\|archive-date=2017-07-03\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703093439/http://www.12mrclass.com/yachts/detail/273-itemId.511706987.html\|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 12 Metre class was used in the Olympic Games of ], ] and ] but few boats participated in these events. The 12 Metre class boats are best known as the boat design used in the ] from 1958 to 1987.
	Rough equality between boats is ensured by requiring compliance with a formula that takes into account the length at the ], the girth (the measurement around the boat from one sideboard, under the ] and then back over the top on the opposite side back to the original side) and the ] area. The very carefully specified measurements are then entered into the formula, and the result must be 12 metres - hence the name of the class. Designers are free to change any of these variables (as well as other details, such as the size of the ] and keel, etc), with the understanding that for any change in any of the measured attributes, something else will have to be adjusted, in order to make the formula produce the required value.

			Competitiveness between boats in the class is maintained by requiring the boats to be in compliance with the 12 Metre formula. Designers and builders are required to take into account such things as the ] area, the boat length at the ] and the boat girth (the measurement around the boat from one sideboard, under the ], and then over the top on the opposite side back to the original side). The measurements are then weighted in the formula. For example, the present formula takes the square root of the sail area rather than total area. The combination of weighted measurements must be less than or equal to 12 metres. Designers are free to change any of the component variables, as well as other details, such as the size of the ] and keel, so long as the corresponding changes elsewhere produce an ultimate sum of 12 metres and the resulting boat is both seaworthy and safe. Though disparity between boats are minimized by the rule, enough variation exists so that races are as much about design and construction as they are about seamanship and tactics.
	The "12-metre" in the class name does not refer to the actual length of the boats, which ranged from 65 to 75 feet (about 20 to 23 ]) overall. They were all ]-rigged, with their masts typically being about 85 feet (26 ]) tall. The "12-metre" yachts are also referred to as "Twelves" or "12 Metres"

			==History==
	== The Formula and Rules==
			===The formula and rules===
			The Formula and associated rules for designing and constructing 12 Metre yachts has been modified several times from inception in racing.

			The purpose of the Formula and rules was to encourage designer's creativity to optimize designs to get the best overall performance when racing while still maintaining competitive racing postures between different designs. Although the Formula and Rules allowed for some creativity they were also intended to be comprehensive enough to eliminate loop holes which could result in an extreme design which conformed to the 12 Metre rule but completely outclassed other contemporary designs on the race course. If the rules were considered to be too loose then it would discourage the building of new 12 Metre yachts for fear of a new boat being outclassed even before it was launched.
	The Formula and associated rules for designing and constructing 12-metre yachts has been modified several times from inception in racing.

	The purpose of the Formula and rules was to encourage designer creativity to optimise designs to get the best overall performance when racing whilst maintaining competitive racing between the different designs. Although the Formula and Rules allowed some creativity they were also intended to be comprehensive enough to eliminate loop holes which could result in an extreme design which conformed to the 12-metre rule but completely outclassed other contemporary designs on the race course. If the rules were considered to be too loose then it would discourage the building of new 12-metre yachts for fear of a new boat being outclassed even before it was launched.

	The Rules were typically updated in response to advances in areas such as material technology (e.g. metal masts versus wooden masts), design technology (e.g. use of the wind tunnel to design sails and sail/mast combinations, advances in fluid dynamics), and equipment (e.g. winch technology).		The Rules were typically updated in response to advances in areas such as material technology (e.g. metal masts versus wooden masts), design technology (e.g. use of the wind tunnel to design sails and sail/mast combinations, advances in fluid dynamics), and equipment (e.g. winch technology).
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	The Rule has four distinct periods:		The Rule has four distinct periods:

	===First ~~Rating~~ ~~Rule~~===		====First rating rule====
	]		]'' won silver at the 1912 Summer Olympics in 12 Metre class (1907 rule boat).]]
	Used from ~~1907–1920~~		Used from 1907 to 1920

	:<math>		:<math>
Line 26:		Line 65:
	where		where
	* <math>L</math> = ] (LWL)		* <math>L</math> = ] (LWL)
	* <math>B</math> = ]		* <math>B</math> = ]
	* <math>G</math> = ~~chain~~ ]		* <math>G</math> = ]
	* <math>d</math> = difference between girth and chain		* <math>d</math> = difference between ] and chain girth
	* <math>S</math> = ]		* <math>S</math> = ]
	* <math>F</math> = ]		* <math>F</math> = ]

	===Second ~~Rating~~ ~~Rule~~===		====Second rating rule====
	Used from ~~1920–1933~~.		Used from 1920 to 1933.
	:<math>		:<math>
	\frac{L + G/4 +2d + \sqrt{S} - F}{2.5} \leq 12 \mbox{ metres}		\frac{L + G/4 +2d + \sqrt{S} - F}{2.5} \leq 12 \mbox{ metres}
Line 40:		Line 79:
	where		where
	* <math>L</math> = waterline length (LWL)		* <math>L</math> = waterline length (LWL)
	* <math>G</math> = ]		* <math>G</math> = chain girth
	* <math>d</math> = difference between girth and chain		* <math>d</math> = difference between skin girth and chain girth
	* <math>S</math> = sail area		* <math>S</math> = sail area
	* <math>F</math> = freeboard		* <math>F</math> = freeboard

			====Third rating rule, and, from 1956, the America's Cup rule====
	===Third Rating Rule===
			Used from 1933 onwards:<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://12mrclass.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/12M-Class-Rule-2018-WS-ApprovedforPublication.pdf\|title=International Twelve Metre Class Rule\|publisher=World Sailing / International 12-Metre Association\|date=1 November 2018\|access-date=2020-01-20}}</ref>
	Used from 1933–1939.

	:<math>		:<math>
Line 54:		Line 93:
	where		where
	* <math>L</math> = waterline length (LWL)		* <math>L</math> = waterline length (LWL)
	* <math>d</math> = difference between girth and chain		* <math>d</math> = difference between skin girth and chain girth
	* <math>S</math> = sail area		* <math>S</math> = sail area
	* <math>F</math> = freeboard		* <math>F</math> = freeboard

			Associated with the formula is an extremely comprehensive set of rules, which can be classified into two main areas: safety, and ensuring competitive racing. For example, the maximum total area of all cockpits is specified to minimise the chance of a boat being swamped in rougher seas. Structural requirements are specified to ensure that strength is not sacrificed by the need to get weight low down in the keel. Materials are specified plus numerous other details concerning all aspects of the boat. The intention is to challenge designers but ensure competitive racing.
	===Third Rating Rule - America's Cup Rule===
	Used from 1956 onwards:

			===America's Cup===
	():
			]'']]
			The America's Cup racing resumed in 1958 after ] by a syndicate led by ], more economical vessels were desired to replace the huge and expensive ]s that were raced in the 1930s; the 12 Metre class was selected.

			In September 1956, a ] syndicate was formed to build a 12 Metre for the 1958 ]. The UK challenger was selected based on model tank testing and David Boyd's second design was chosen. '']'' was launched at the yard of ] on 2 April 1958, but lost to the New York Yacht Club yacht ''Columbia'' in September 1958. ''Sceptre'' is currently owned and raced by the Sceptre Preservation Society. Alexander Robertson and Sons Ltd also built two of the earliest 12-Metres: ''Heatherbell'' (designer ], 1907), which represented Finland in the 1912 Summer Olympics; ''Cyra'' (designer ], 1909).
	:<math>
	\frac{L + 2d + \sqrt{S} - F}{2.37} \leq 12 \mbox{ metres}
	</math>

			In 1987, use of the 12 Metre class was ended, switching to ] boats for the 1992 competition.
	where
	* <math>L</math> = waterline length (LWL)
	* <math>d</math> = difference between girth and chain
	* <math>S</math> = sail area
	* <math>F</math> = freeboard

			===Post-America's Cup===
	Associated with the formula is an extremely comprehensive set of rules. The rules can be classified into two main areas. Rules concerning safety and rules to ensure competitive racing. For example the maximum total area of all cockpits is specified to minimise the chance of a boat being swamped in rougher seas. Structural requirements are specified to ensure that strength is not sacrificed by the need to get weight low down in the keel. Materials are specified plus numerous other details concerning all aspects of the boat. The intention is to challenge designers but ensure competitive racing.
			12 Metre yachts were used for the last time in America's Cup competition at the 1987 event held in Fremantle, Australia. 12 Metres continued to race together on a local basis but due to the high cost and without the impetus and prestige surrounding competition in the America's Cup, no new boats have been built since 1987 save one.

			The latter part of the 20th century saw a big revival in interest in classic yachts including 12 Metre yachts and particularly those of wooden construction. There was an increasing number of prestigious regattas in attractive locations such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Also, a more prosperous global economy prevailed and the result was an increasing number of restorations and racing of older 'classic' 12 Metres.
	==America's Cup==
	]'']]
	When America's Cup racing resumed in 1958 after ], more economical vessels were desired to replace the huge and expensive ]s that were raced in the 1930s; the 12-metre class was selected. In 1987, use of the 12-metre class was ended, switching to ] boats for the 1992 competition.

			Potential restorers of older boats who wanted to race were potentially faced with a dilemma of whether to restore a boat to its original specification or make modifications to make an older design competitive with a newer design. For example, a yacht designed under the First International Rule would have a wooden mast, ], and sails made of cotton; whereas yachts designed under the Third International Rule, such as ''Vim'', had a metal mast, ], and sails made from ].
	===Famous 12-metre Yachts===

			To encourage participation in racing and also engage the restoration process which remained true to the spirit of the original design, the 12 Metre class association introduced a handicapping system to allow 12 Metres of all ages to race together on a more equal footing. The basis is a handicap applied to each boat according to the 'era' of its design to encourage owners to restore older boats and participate in exciting and sociable racing.
	*] - The oldest American 12 metre still intact, US-6.
	*]: Designed in 1939 by ] who considered the possibilities given by every aspect of the rules and produced a very fast boat. Vim had numerous innovative features including a trim tab on the rudder, two-speed winches and a lighter mast made of ] (a form of aluminium used in the aircraft industry). Vim is considered a benchmark design which was continually refined over her racing career. In 1939 Vim came to the UK and won 19 races out of 28. The next generations of 12-metres designed and built 20 years after Vim was launched still found Vim extremely difficult to beat in competition.
	*] designed five successful America's Cup defenders for the ]. The first was ''Columbia'', winner of the 1958 Cup, followed by ''Constellation'' in 1964. ] won the 1967 and 1970 ACs. ] won in 1974 and ]'s notable 1977 win. The last of the S&S designed twelves to win the America's Cup was ''Freedom'' in 1980. Both ''Intrepid'' and ''Courageous'' are still sailing and racing today in ]. Intrepid is available for charter whereas Courageous is privately owned.
	*], US-27, the third aluminum American 12 meter, built for the 1977 defender trials. (See discussion page for a full list of aluminum Twelves built for American syndicates to race in the America's Cup.)
	* ], ]'s famous winged keel design that won the 1983 ]. The boat that ended the longest winning streak in all of sport. Australia II designed by ] was one of the first racing yachts to use appendages/fins on the keel which made the yacht more manoeuvrable. The keel design allowed a reduction in weight in the keel which then allowed other beneficial changes in the measured dimensions which resulted in a yacht optimized for the conditions on the race course in Newport Rhode Island.
	* ] KZ 7 Runner-up in ], and the first Twelve Metre to be ]. Called at the time "Plastic Fantastic". Skippereed by ]
	*] Winner of the America's Cup 1987. By far the most consistently improved and thus fastest boat of its era.{{Fact\|date=April 2007}}

			A 12 Metre is classified as belonging to one of three periods. Each Period is defined as a range of dates which coincided with a particular type of keel or rudder design becoming widespread.
	In addition to design there are other factors which affect racing results. There are other 12-metre designs which are fast boats but struggled to reach their full potential due to inadequate crewing or lack of preparation or bad luck or a combination of both.
			*Division A:- Also called Grand Prix, this subclass starts when winged keels became the norm. It covers all 12 Metre yachts built with winged keels and all constructed after 1983. '']'', launched in 1982, was the first wing keeled 12 Metre so is considered the first of this division. ''USA'' (US 61), also fits into this category, even though its keel structure is different from the standard winged keel of the class. It is also the only 12 Metre to have a "canard" or rudder mounted forward of the keel.
	In the America's Cup era it will always be a matter of debate but Australia II, Intrepid and Vim are generally considered to be the best 12-metres in terms of design excellence and performance on the race course.
			*Division B (Modern):- Starts when a ] mounted rudder separated from the keel became the norm. It includes all 12 Metres built during the period 1968 - 1983. '']'' is considered the first Modern even though it was built in 1967 since it was the first 12 Metre to use a skeg mounted rudder. It excludes '']'', built in 1982, which is in Period A due to its winged keel design.
			*Division C (Classic):- All other 12 Metre class yachts built before 1968 but excluding '']'' which is in Period B by virtue of its skeg mounted rudder design. Divisions D (Vintage) & E (Antique) are the remaining 2 Divisions based on the year of construction including Antique (most of which are in fact gaff rigged). Older sloop-rigged yachts like ''Vim'' and ''Onawa'' fit into the Vintage category, yachts like '']'' belong to the Antique division. In the early 21st century interest in ownership and restoration of 12 Metres was such that specialist restoration companies would speculatively locate old boats under threat of destruction and publicize the availability in order to attract the funding for a full restoration.

			==Events==
	==Post America's Cup==
			===Olympics===
			{\| {{MedalistTable\|type=Event}}
			\|-
			\| style="align:center;" \| 1908 London<ref name="1908 London"/><br>{{DetailsLink\|Sailing at the 1908 Summer Olympics – 12 Metre}}
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(GBR)</span><br>] (helmsman)<br>] (mate)<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(GBR)</span><br>] (helmsman)<br>] (mate)<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|No further competition

			\|-
	12-metre yachts were used for the last time in America’s Cup competition at the 1987 event held in Fremantle, Australia. 12-metres continued to race together on a local basis but due to the high cost and without the impetus and prestige surrounding competition in the America’s Cup, no new boats have been built since 1987.
			\| style="align:center;" \| 1912 Stockholm <br>{{DetailsLink\|Sailing at the 1912 Summer Olympics – 12 Metre}}
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(NOR)</span><br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(SWE)</span><br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(FIN)</span><br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]

			\|-
	The latter part of the 20th century saw a big revival in interest in classic yachts including 12-metre yachts and particularly those of wooden construction. There were an increasing number of prestigious regattas in attractive locations such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Also a more prosperous global economy prevailed and the result was an increasing number of restorations and racing of older ‘classic’ 12-metres.
			\| style="align:center;" \| 1920 Antwerp <br>1907 rule<br>{{DetailsLink\|Sailing at the 1920 Summer Olympics – 12 Metre}}
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(NOR)</span><br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|No further competitors
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|No further competitors

			\|-
	Potential restorers of older boats who wanted to race were potentially faced with a dilemma of whether to restore a boat to its original specification or make modifications to make an older design competitive with a newer design. For example a yacht designed under the First International Rule would have a wooden mast, ] and sails made of cotton whereas yachts designed under the Third International Rule, such as Vim, had a metal mast, ] and sails made from ].
			\| style="align:center;" \| 1920 Antwerp <br>1919 rule<br>{{DetailsLink\|Sailing at the 1920 Summer Olympics – 12 Metre}}
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|] ] <span style="font-size:90%;">(NOR)</span><br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|No further competitors
			\|style="vertical-align:top;"\|No further competitors

			\|}
	To encourage participation in racing and also encourage restoration which remained true to the spirit of the original design, the 12-metre class association introduced a handicapping system to allow 12-metres of all ages to race together on a more equal footing. The basis is a handicap applied to each boat according to the ‘era’ of its design to encourage owners to restore older boats and participate in exciting and sociable racing.

			===World Championships===
	A 12-metre is classified as belonging to one of three periods. Each Period is defined as a range of dates which coincided with a particular type of keel or rudder design becoming widespread.
			{{main\|12 Metre World Championship}}
			{{12 Metre World Championship medallists}}

			==Yachts==
	Period A:- Also called Grand Prix, this subclass starts when winged keels became the norm. It covers all yachts built with winged keels and all yachts constructed after 1983. ] was the first wing keeled 12-metre and, despite being constructed before 1984, is in Period A. USA, or 12 US-61, also fits into this category even though its keel structure is different from the standard winged keel of the class. It is also the only 12-metre to have a "canard" or rudder mounted forward of the keel.
			{{See also\|List of 12-metre yachts}}
			* ''Onawa'' (US 6) & ''Anitra'' (US 5) - The oldest American 12 Metre yachts still intact.
			* '']'': Designed in 1939 by ] who considered the possibilities given by every aspect of the rules and produced a very fast boat. ''Vim'' had numerous innovative features including a trim tab on the rudder, two-speed winches and a lighter mast made of ] (a form of aluminium used in the aircraft industry). ''Vim'' is considered a benchmark design which was continually refined over her racing career. In 1939 ''Vim'' came to the UK and won 19 races out of 28. The next generations of 12 Metres designed and built 20 years after ''Vim'' was launched still found Vim extremely difficult to beat in competition.
			*] designed five successful America's Cup defenders for the ]. The first was ''Columbia'', winner of the 1958 Cup, followed by ''Constellation'' in 1964. ] won the 1967 and 1970 America's Cups. '']'' won in 1974 and 1977 (skippered by Ted Hood in 1974 and ] in 1977). The last of the S&S designed 12s to win the America's Cup was ''Freedom'' in 1980. '' Columbia'' ''Intrepid'' ''Courageous'' and ''Freedom'' are still sailing and racing today in ].
			* ''Sceptre'' (K 17), the British challenger for the America's Cup in 1958, is believed to be the only UK challenger still sailing in British waters.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.sceptre1958.co.uk\|title=Sceptre K 17: The British America's Cup Challenger}}</ref>
			*''Weatherly'', designed by ], successfully defended the ] in 1962, and is also sailing and racing today in ].
			* '']'', ]'s famous ] boat that won the ]. The boat that ended the longest winning streak in sport. Designed by ], ''Australia II'' was one of the first racing yachts to use appendages on the keel, which allowed the yacht to point higher, sail faster and be quicker in stays. The keel design also allowed a reduction in weight in the keel which then allowed other beneficial changes in the measured dimensions which resulted in a yacht optimized for the conditions on the race course at Newport, Rhode Island.
			* '']'' (KZ 7) "Kiwi Magic" Runner-up in ], and the third 12 Metre to be made from fibreglass. Sister yachts KZ-3 and KZ-5 did not compete at the 1987 America's Cup but took part in the 1986 World Championships in Perth. KZ-7 went on to win the 1988 World Championship in Sardinia. Nicknamed the "]". Skippered by ].
			* '']'' (US 55) Winner of the ]. The fastest heavy weather 12 Metre boat ever built.<ref>{{Cite book\|title=The America's Cup 1987: The Official Record\|author=Fisher, Bob\| year=1987}}</ref>

			==See also==
	Period B (Modern):- Starts when a ] mounted rudder separated from the keel became the norm. It includes all 12-metres built during the period 1968 - 1983. ] is considered the first Modern even though it was built in 1967 since it was the first 12-metre to use a skeg mounted rudder. It excludes ] built in 1982 which is in Period A due to its winged keel design.
			*]
			*]

			==References==
	Period C (Classic):- All other 12 metre class yachts built before 1968 but excluding ] which is in Period B by virtue of its skeg mounted rudder design. Period C has several sub-classes based on the year of construction including Classic Antique (most of which are in fact gaff rigged), Classic Vintage and Classic Traditional. Older sloop-rigged yachts like Vim and Onawa fit into the Vintage category while the later Classics such as American Eagle and Nefertiti are considered Traditional.
			{{Reflist \| refs =

			<ref name="1908 London">{{cite book
	In the early 21st century interest in ownership and restoration of 12-metres was such that specialist restoration companies would speculatively locate old boats under threat of destruction and publicize the availability in order to attract the funding for a full restoration .
			\|last = Cook
			\|first = Theodore Andrea
			\|year = 1908
			\|title = The Fourth Olympiad, Being the Official Report
			\|publisher = British Olympic Association
			\|location = London
			\|url = http://la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1908/1908.pdf
			\|pages = 339–354
			\|access-date = 10 June 2016
			\|archive-date = 16 January 2013
			\|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130116164837/http://www.la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1908/1908.pdf
			\|url-status = dead
			}}</ref>
			}}

	==External links==		==External links==
			{{commons category}}
	{{commonscat\|12-metre class}}
			* {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703093439/http://www.12mrclass.com/yachts/detail/273-itemId.511706987.html \|date=2017-07-03 }}
	*
			*
	*
			*
	* (Technical explanation)
			*
	*
			* (Technical explanation)
	*
			*{{cite book\|title=The Twelve Metre Class\|author=Luigi Lang, Dyer Jones & Jan Slee\|publisher=ltyachting.com\|year=2010\|isbn=978-88-95171-22-7}}
			*https://archive.today/20121208213332/http://www.columbiatrading.com/cgi-bin/columbia/30590.html
			*
			* http://www.12mr.de/ Trivia (Norsaga)

			{{Classes of World Sailing}}
	{{International Keelboats}}
			{{Olympic class sailboats}}
	{{Keelboats Worldwide}}
			{{America'sCup}}
	{{Olympic Games Sailing}}

	]
	]
	]		]
			]

	]		]
			]
	]
	]

Latest revision as of 12:26, 3 July 2024

International racing sailing class

Development
Class symbol
The 12 Metre yacht Freedom, third rating rule
Year	1907 (rule design)
Design	Development class
Former Olympic class
[edit on Wikidata]

The 12 Metre class is a rating class for racing sailboats that are designed to the International rule. It enables fair competition between boats that rate in the class whilst retaining the freedom to experiment with the details of their designs. The designation "12 Metre" does not refer to any single measurement on the boat, and is not referencing the vessels overall length, rather, measures the sum of the components directed by the formula which governs design and construction parameters. Typically 12 Metre class boats range from 65 to 75 feet (about 20 to 23 m) in length overall; they are most often sloop-rigged, with masts roughly 85 feet (26 m) tall.

The first 12 Metres were built in 1907. The 12 Metre class was used in the Olympic Games of 1908, 1912 and 1920 but few boats participated in these events. The 12 Metre class boats are best known as the boat design used in the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987.

Competitiveness between boats in the class is maintained by requiring the boats to be in compliance with the 12 Metre formula. Designers and builders are required to take into account such things as the sail area, the boat length at the waterline and the boat girth (the measurement around the boat from one sideboard, under the keel, and then over the top on the opposite side back to the original side). The measurements are then weighted in the formula. For example, the present formula takes the square root of the sail area rather than total area. The combination of weighted measurements must be less than or equal to 12 metres. Designers are free to change any of the component variables, as well as other details, such as the size of the rudder and keel, so long as the corresponding changes elsewhere produce an ultimate sum of 12 metres and the resulting boat is both seaworthy and safe. Though disparity between boats are minimized by the rule, enough variation exists so that races are as much about design and construction as they are about seamanship and tactics.

History

The formula and rules

The Formula and associated rules for designing and constructing 12 Metre yachts has been modified several times from inception in racing.

The purpose of the Formula and rules was to encourage designer's creativity to optimize designs to get the best overall performance when racing while still maintaining competitive racing postures between different designs. Although the Formula and Rules allowed for some creativity they were also intended to be comprehensive enough to eliminate loop holes which could result in an extreme design which conformed to the 12 Metre rule but completely outclassed other contemporary designs on the race course. If the rules were considered to be too loose then it would discourage the building of new 12 Metre yachts for fear of a new boat being outclassed even before it was launched.

The Rules were typically updated in response to advances in areas such as material technology (e.g. metal masts versus wooden masts), design technology (e.g. use of the wind tunnel to design sails and sail/mast combinations, advances in fluid dynamics), and equipment (e.g. winch technology).

The Rule has four distinct periods:

First rating rule

Used from 1907 to 1920

{\frac {L+B+G/3+3d+{\sqrt {S}}/3-F}{2}}\leq 12{\mbox{ metres}}

where

$L$ = waterline length (LWL)
$B$ = beam
$G$ = chain girth
$d$ = difference between skin girth and chain girth
$S$ = sail area
$F$ = freeboard

Second rating rule

Used from 1920 to 1933.

{\frac {L+G/4+2d+{\sqrt {S}}-F}{2.5}}\leq 12{\mbox{ metres}}

where

$L$ = waterline length (LWL)
$G$ = chain girth
$d$ = difference between skin girth and chain girth
$S$ = sail area
$F$ = freeboard

Third rating rule, and, from 1956, the America's Cup rule

Used from 1933 onwards:

{\frac {L+2d+{\sqrt {S}}-F}{2.37}}\leq 12{\mbox{ metres}}

where

$L$ = waterline length (LWL)
$d$ = difference between skin girth and chain girth
$S$ = sail area
$F$ = freeboard

Associated with the formula is an extremely comprehensive set of rules, which can be classified into two main areas: safety, and ensuring competitive racing. For example, the maximum total area of all cockpits is specified to minimise the chance of a boat being swamped in rougher seas. Structural requirements are specified to ensure that strength is not sacrificed by the need to get weight low down in the keel. Materials are specified plus numerous other details concerning all aspects of the boat. The intention is to challenge designers but ensure competitive racing.

America's Cup

The America's Cup racing resumed in 1958 after World War II by a syndicate led by Henry Sears, more economical vessels were desired to replace the huge and expensive J-class yachts that were raced in the 1930s; the 12 Metre class was selected.

In September 1956, a Royal Yacht Squadron syndicate was formed to build a 12 Metre for the 1958 America's Cup. The UK challenger was selected based on model tank testing and David Boyd's second design was chosen. Sceptre was launched at the yard of Alexander Robertson & Sons on 2 April 1958, but lost to the New York Yacht Club yacht Columbia in September 1958. Sceptre is currently owned and raced by the Sceptre Preservation Society. Alexander Robertson and Sons Ltd also built two of the earliest 12-Metres: Heatherbell (designer Thomas Glen-Coats, 1907), which represented Finland in the 1912 Summer Olympics; Cyra (designer Alfred Mylne, 1909).

In 1987, use of the 12 Metre class was ended, switching to International America's Cup Class boats for the 1992 competition.

Post-America's Cup

12 Metre yachts were used for the last time in America's Cup competition at the 1987 event held in Fremantle, Australia. 12 Metres continued to race together on a local basis but due to the high cost and without the impetus and prestige surrounding competition in the America's Cup, no new boats have been built since 1987 save one.

The latter part of the 20th century saw a big revival in interest in classic yachts including 12 Metre yachts and particularly those of wooden construction. There was an increasing number of prestigious regattas in attractive locations such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Also, a more prosperous global economy prevailed and the result was an increasing number of restorations and racing of older 'classic' 12 Metres.

Potential restorers of older boats who wanted to race were potentially faced with a dilemma of whether to restore a boat to its original specification or make modifications to make an older design competitive with a newer design. For example, a yacht designed under the First International Rule would have a wooden mast, gaff rig, and sails made of cotton; whereas yachts designed under the Third International Rule, such as Vim, had a metal mast, Bermuda rig, and sails made from Dacron.

To encourage participation in racing and also engage the restoration process which remained true to the spirit of the original design, the 12 Metre class association introduced a handicapping system to allow 12 Metres of all ages to race together on a more equal footing. The basis is a handicap applied to each boat according to the 'era' of its design to encourage owners to restore older boats and participate in exciting and sociable racing.

A 12 Metre is classified as belonging to one of three periods. Each Period is defined as a range of dates which coincided with a particular type of keel or rudder design becoming widespread.

Division A:- Also called Grand Prix, this subclass starts when winged keels became the norm. It covers all 12 Metre yachts built with winged keels and all constructed after 1983. Australia II, launched in 1982, was the first wing keeled 12 Metre so is considered the first of this division. USA (US 61), also fits into this category, even though its keel structure is different from the standard winged keel of the class. It is also the only 12 Metre to have a "canard" or rudder mounted forward of the keel.
Division B (Modern):- Starts when a skeg mounted rudder separated from the keel became the norm. It includes all 12 Metres built during the period 1968 - 1983. Intrepid is considered the first Modern even though it was built in 1967 since it was the first 12 Metre to use a skeg mounted rudder. It excludes Australia II, built in 1982, which is in Period A due to its winged keel design.
Division C (Classic):- All other 12 Metre class yachts built before 1968 but excluding Intrepid which is in Period B by virtue of its skeg mounted rudder design. Divisions D (Vintage) & E (Antique) are the remaining 2 Divisions based on the year of construction including Antique (most of which are in fact gaff rigged). Older sloop-rigged yachts like Vim and Onawa fit into the Vintage category, yachts like Erna Signe belong to the Antique division. In the early 21st century interest in ownership and restoration of 12 Metres was such that specialist restoration companies would speculatively locate old boats under threat of destruction and publicize the availability in order to attract the funding for a full restoration.

Events

Olympics

Event	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1908 London details	Great Britain (GBR) T. C. Glen-Coats (helmsman) J. H. Downes (mate) J. S. Aspin John Buchanan J. C. Bunten A. D. Downes David Dunlop John Mackenzie Albert Martin Gerald Tait	Great Britain (GBR) C. MacIver (helmsman) J. G. Kenion (mate) J. M. Adam James Baxter W. P. Davidson J. F. Jellico T. A. R. Littledale C. R. MacIver C. Macleod Robertson J. F. D. Spence	No further competition
1912 Stockholm details	Norway (NOR) Johan Anker Nils Bertelsen Eilert Falch-Lund Halfdan Hansen Arnfinn Heje Magnus Konow Alfred Larsen Petter Larsen Christian Staib Carl Thaulow	Sweden (SWE) Nils Persson Per Bergman Dick Bergström Kurt Bergström Hugo Clason Folke Johnson Sigurd Kander Ivan Lamby Erik Lindqvist Hugo Sällström	Finland (FIN) Ernst Krogius Ferdinand Alfthan Pekka Hartvall Jarl Hulldén Sigurd Juslén Eino Sandelin Johan Silén
1920 Antwerp 1907 rule details	Norway (NOR) Henrik Østervold Halvor Birkeland Rasmus Birkeland Lauritz Christiansen Hans Naess Halvor Mögster Jan Østervold Kristian Østervold Ole Østervold	No further competitors	No further competitors
1920 Antwerp 1919 rule details	Norway (NOR) Johan Friele Arthur Allers Martin Borthen Kaspar Hassel Erik Ørvig Olav Örvig Thor Ørvig Egill Reimers Christen Wiese	No further competitors	No further competitors

World Championships

Main article: 12 Metre World Championship

Year v t e	Gold	Silver	Bronze
1979 Brighton	Lionheart (GBR)
1982 Newport	Victory '82 (GBR) Phil Crebbin Harold Cudmore	Clipper (CAN) Terry McLaughlin
1984 Porto Cervo	Victory '83 (GBR)
1986 Fremantle	Australia III (AUS)
1987 Porto Cervo	Kiwi Magic (NZL)
1988 Luleå	Kookaburra III (AUS) Peter Gilmour
1991 San Diego	New Zealand (NZL)
1999 St.-Tropez	Kiwi Magic (ITA)
2001 Cowes	South Australia (AUS) Russell Coutts	New Zealand Cameron Appleton	United States John Edwin Bertrand Cole Lissiman
2005 Newport	Hissar - KZ5 (USA)	Wright on White - KZ3 (BRA)	Kiwi Magic (USA)
2007 Cannes	no champion decided
2008 Flensburg	Nyala (ITA)	Trivia (GER)	Sphinx (GER)
2009 Newport	Kiwi Magic (USA)	Wright on White - KZ3 (BRA)	U.S.A. - US61 (USA)
2014 Barcelona	Nyala (ITA)	Trivia (GER)	Vanity V (DEN)
2019 Newport	Legacy - KZ5 (DEN) Challenge 12 (USA) Columbia (USA) Nyala (ITA)	New Zealand - KZ3 (USA) Enterprise (USA) American Eagle (USA) Onawa (USA)	Kookaburra II (ITA) Courageous (USA) Nefertiti (USA) Blue Marlin (FIN)
2021 Helsinki	Vim (DEN)	Blue Marlin (FIN)	Flica II (GER)

Yachts

References

"12 Metre Class Yacht CYGNE". www.12mrclass.com. Archived from the original on 2017-07-03. Retrieved 2017-01-22.
"International Twelve Metre Class Rule" (PDF). World Sailing / International 12-Metre Association. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 2020-01-20.
Cook, Theodore Andrea (1908). The Fourth Olympiad, Being the Official Report (PDF). London: British Olympic Association. pp. 339–354. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
"Sceptre K 17: The British America's Cup Challenger".
Fisher, Bob (1987). The America's Cup 1987: The Official Record.

External links

12 Metre Specifications and Year Archived 2017-07-03 at the Wayback Machine
The International Twelve Metre Association (ITMA)
Trivia 12 Metre Restoration: 12 Metre yachts built the world wide
History of 12 Metre Class and list of all US 12 Metre yachts built
Sparkman & Stephens: The Twelves (Technical explanation)
Luigi Lang, Dyer Jones & Jan Slee (2010). The Twelve Metre Class. ltyachting.com. ISBN 978-88-95171-22-7.
https://archive.today/20121208213332/http://www.columbiatrading.com/cgi-bin/columbia/30590.html
Sceptre Preservation Society
http://www.12mr.de/ Trivia (Norsaga)

v t e Classes of World Sailing
Current Olympic classes	470 49er 49er FX Finn IQFoil Laser Standard Laser Radial Nacra 17
World Sailing centreboard classes	29er 420 505 B14 Byte Cadet Contender Enterprise Europe Fireball Flying Dutchman GP14 International 14 International FJ Laser 4.7 Lightning Mirror Moth Musto Skiff O'PEN Skiff OK Dinghy Optimist RS Feva RS Tera RS100 RS500 Snipe Splash Sunfish Tasar Topper Vaurien Zoom 8
World Sailing keelboat classes	2.4 mR 5.5 m 6 mR 8 mR 12 mR Dragon Etchells FarEast 28 Flying Fifteen Hansa 2.3 Hansa 303 Hansa Liberty H-boat International One Design J/22 J/24 J/70 J/80 Melges 20 Melges 24 Melges 32 Micro Platu 25 RC44 SB20 Shark 24 Soling Sonar Star Tempest Viper 640 Yngling
World Sailing yacht classes	Class40 ClubSwan 50 Farr 40 IMOCA 60 J/111 Maxi Soto 40 Swan 45 TP 52 X-35 X-41
World Sailing multihull classes	A-Class Dart 18 Formula 16 Formula 18 Hobie 14 Hobie 16 Hobie 17 Hobie Dragoon Hobie Tiger Hobie Wildcat Nacra 15 Nacra 17 Nacra F18 Infusion Nacra 20 Carbon M32 SL 16 Topcat K1 Tornado Viper F16
World Sailing windsurfer classes	Formula Experience Formula Windsurfing Funboard Kona Mistral Raceboard RS:One Speed Windsurfing Techno 293 IQFoil
World Sailing kiteboarding classes	IKA Open Formula Kite IKA Twin Top Racing IKA Twin Top Freestyle IKA Twin Top Kitefoil
IRSA remote-control classes	10 rater A Class Marblehead One Metre
Former World Sailing classes	11:Metre One Design 29erXX Aloha Buzz C-Class Division I Division II Division III Elliott 6m Farr 30 (Mumm 30) Farr 45 Farr Maxi One Design Hobie 17 Hobie 18 IOD ISO Laser 2 Laser Vago Lechner A-390 Mistral Junior Mumm 36 Nacra F18 Open 50 ORMA 60 Sydney 40 Ultimate 20 Windglider X-99

v t e Olympic sailing classes
Current classes	470 49er 49erFX Finn Formula Kite IQFoil Laser Laser Radial Nacra 17
Former classes (In order of first use)	Ton classes (0–½, ½–1, 1–2, 2–3, 3–10, 10–20, 20 & Open) 6 Metre 7 Metre 8 Metre 12 Metre 10 Metre 12 foot dinghy 18 foot dinghy 6.5 Metre 8.5 Metre 9 Metre 15 Metre Skerry cruiser 30 m Skerry cruiser 40 m French National Monotype 1924 Snowbird Star O-Jolle Firefly Swallow Dragon 5.5 Metre 12 m Sharpie Flying Dutchman Tempest Soling Tornado Windglider Division II Lechner A-390 Europe Mistral One Design Yngling RS:X Elliott 6m
Youth classes	Nacra 15 Techno 293
Former youth classes	Byte

v t e America's Cup
Deed of Gift Challengers and defenders Competing yacht clubs History of the America's Cup
Editions	1851 1870 1871 1876 1881 1885 1886 1887 1893 1895 1899 1901 1903 1914 (postponed) 1920 1930 1934 1937 1958 1962 1964 1967 1970 1974 1977 1980 1983 1987 1988 1992 1995 2000 2003 2007 2010 2013 2017 2021 2024 2027
Challenger Selection Series Herbert Pell Cup (1970–1980) Louis Vuitton Cup (1983–2017 & 2024) Prada Cup (2021)	1970 1974 1977 1980 1983 1987 1992 1995 2000 2003 2007 2013 2017 2021 2024
Defender Selection Series Citizen Cup (1992–1995)	1987 1992 1995
Youth America's Cup	2013 2017 2024
Women's America's Cup	2024
Class	NYCC Rule Seawanhaka Rule J Class 12-Metre yachts IACC yachts regattas AC72 AC45 AC50 AC45F AC75 AC40
Related	Challenger America (yacht) Louis Vuitton Pacific Series Louis Vuitton Trophy AC45 World Series Italy at the America's Cup
Media	Wind (film) The Wind Gods (film) Untold: The Race of the Century (documentary) The Billionaire and the Mechanic (book)

Categories:

Latest revision as of 12:26, 3 July 2024

History

The formula and rules

First rating rule

Second rating rule

Third rating rule, and, from 1956, the America's Cup rule

America's Cup

Post-America's Cup

Events

Olympics

World Championships

Yachts

See also

References

External links