Classic Racing Yachts

The restoration of classic yachts into racing condition has long been a past time of serious aficionados. This is shown by the strength of international one design fleets such as the 6 meters whose 2009 World Championships in Newport, RI drew 24 classic (pre-1955) vessels from around the globe. (Incidentally the 2009 World 6m Champion in Classics was Eric Jespersen, the owner of the boatyard responsible for restoration of Lady Van. The Society’s own Don Martin placed 6th.)

World Class Regattas for classic yachts now occur annually on the East Coast, Caribbean and Mediterranean, and are growing in popularity every year.

To race Classic yachts of different designs, design rules and ages, a scoring system was developed by the Comite International de la Mediterranee to handicap such vessels. Check at www.cim-classicyachts.org or Click here for the latest edition of the Rules for the Rating and Racing of Vintage and Classic Yachts.