6m model yacht

Dartmoor Model Boat Club

The South West's Sail, Scale, Fast Electric and Power Boat Club.

The 6 Metre

Some would say this is a gentlemen’s model yacht with all the beauty and grace of the full- sized racing yachts on which it is based. The concept of the full size 6 Metre class started in 1907 and it was continually updated, and it enjoyed some time as an Olympic class. In respect of the model yacht they are measured and perform just like the full – size version, they even wobble downwind when over pressed. They are quite heavy and are definitely not speed machines but have an appeal which is hard to resist if you get the opportunity to sail one. Currently at DMBC there are two distinct types racing, the version which has an integral fin keel and the other a detachable fin with wing keel. The former type like the Dolphin design is very elegant on the water and this year the class National Championships will have a new trophy for the winner of these vintage style boats. The latter type although still with appealing looks are built with performance in mind. The latest Ravenna, Rococo and Romanza designs are now predominantly built in carbon fibre with carbon spars to match. All of the designs have one thing in common and that is that they are only allowed one mast and main boom. This makes sail selection on a race day important as changing mainsails is time consuming unless practiced regularly. Regular series racing takes place on the first Saturday of the month with up to nine boats competing on an Olympic style course. The 6M’s can be seen at the Club on most Wednesday’s and free Saturday’s, practicing for what is an important year for both the class and the club in 2019. With both the South West Area and National Championships at the club this year interest levels are high with new boats about to hit the water and others being renovated. Event dates:– 6M SWD Championship – Saturday 4th of May. 6M National Championships – Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of September For more information about the boats, the builders and sailmakers indeed anything 6M contact: – Locally – Peter Knightly Class Captain DMBC Tel No 01803 782776 For national information – 6 Metre Association –  sixmetresailing.weebly.com / or the MYA link at mya-uk.org.uk

Seabird (6mtr)

L oa - 1600mm      beam 260mm        displacement 11.5kgs.

Taking a fresh look at the 6m class, Dave Hollom designed 'Seabird' to be slightly lighter than the existing designs and by pushing the envelope of certain parameters, she is able to achieve a similar sail area to her heavier fellow 6m's. 'Seabird' is constructed with a mix of 2 layers of carbon/kevlar cloth, then reinforcement carbon strips are applied in other areas using female moulds. The fin is built into the hull, with the lead ballast detachable from the fin by a stainless steel rod. The rudder and lead ballast can be painted in the same colour as the hull, or finished to our standard dark grey option.

'Seabird' is configured to support the RMG sail winch inside the large radio pot, utilising a digitally printed mounting system. The rudder servo is installed outside the pot, in a separate tray to the rear. Additionally when using an RMG, we recommend using a 'left hand' 32mm self tensioning drum, easy to set up and very reliable.

Hull Kit options and Pricings The basic hull comes in the form of a part completed yacht, ready for the installation of the rig and radio equipment.  Alternatively a fully finishe d 'Ready to Sail' 6mtr can be purchased, the skipper just requires a TX, Rx and batteries. 

Option 1 - £1400 Hull Kit and lead ballast Includes all eyebolts, deck pulleys and a sheeting line threaded through, leaving plenty of extra cord for attaching to the booms and winch drum.

Option 2 - £3400 As Option 1 plus RMG winch, RMG self tensioning drum, RMG watertight switch, XT30 connectors and a Rudder servo.

Rig - utilising high modulus carbon for the mast and Carbon booms Ballraced jib swivel, gooseneck and head fitting, Sails - made from varying weights of scrim for durability and efficiency Working main and jib Lightweight jib Flat mainsail 2nd suit jib and main

For more information and delivery times contact Damian Ackroyd.

Email:   [email protected]

Click on the photos to enlarge.

Website Custodian

Email: [email protected].

• Recent Orders

• Free Delivery Over £100 UK Mainland
• Join our CMB Club - Get 5% Off
• Here to help on 01840 211009

Model Boat Builders Plans: Six Metre Class Yacht Plans

This MYA national class is a scaled down version of its full sized counterpart and offers a traditionally graceful appearance with steady performance and handling. Boats are typically about one metre on the waterline with long overhangs. The draught is restricted to around 230 mm (9 ins) with the displacement typically 12 kg (26 Ibs) and the sail area relatively large at about .7 square metres (1100 sq.ins). Please Note: These plans are printed to order and take approximately 7 days for us to obtain.

6T6 Model Boat Plan

Force 6 Model Boat Plan

Petrel Model Boat Plan

Featured products.

Best Sellers

RRP 2.94 You Save £0.44

RRP 2.75 You Save £0.42

New products.

Recently Viewed

Please select next action

Go back ( or ) Go to wish list

• MYA Districts
• MYA Ranking Lists

2021 6M National Championship Report and Results

• Racing Reports , 6 Metre

The 2021 6M National Championships took place at Norwich Model Yacht Club over the last weekend of October.

With 18 sailors on the entry list and Vinnie Zammit and his team in charge of everything but the weather it was time to go sailing!

Sailors started to arrive Friday afternoon to check out the water and get boats through the measurement process ready for the weekends racing.

The forecast for both days was for the wind to blow from the south starting with a bit of east in the direction and as each day progressed to move around to the west which it did. The sun was also forecast with some heavy showers thrown in which also proved to be spot on!

The temporary race office was setup with cake (Thanks Val Zammit), biscuits and tea/coffee to keep everybody going over the weekend.

With 18 boats it was decided the Heat Management system would be used so the event kicked off with 2 seeding races. Graham Bantock from Chelmsford and Derek Priestley from Fleetwood took control of these and set the pace for much of the first day. John Burgoine from Birmingham also took a couple of race wins on day 1 to keep in contention.

Once racing was completed on day one it was time for a trip to the pub for a buffet and to discuss the days racing over a beer. Vinnie reminded everybody the clocks change so racing in the morning will no longer be in British Summer Time.

On Day 2 the rain and gusty wind started to see some casualties on the race course with the fleet reducing as the day went on. The Race Officer must have been quite hungry as he tried to stop the racing an hour early for lunch before realising he had not set his watch back!

Graham Bantock took control of day 2 winning 6 of the 11 races with John Burgoine, Graeme Harris, John Sharman, John Hanton and Bernie Guest winning the others.

So after 19 races, Graham Bantock took the championship with John Burgoine in 2nd and Graeme Harris 3rd. 6M Nationals Results 2021

The First Classic boat prize went to local sailor Ian Self with his Dolphin Design.

Report by Duncan Ellis

Related Posts

2024 ed champion skipper iom league table after 2 races.

2024 ED Champion Skipper Series Event 2 IOM – Report and Results

1st June 2024 Venue – Huntingdon RYC, Hunts Sailing Club…

HALFPENNY Trophy, GAMES 5, 18th May 2024 – Report and Results

GUILDFORD MODEL YACHT CLUB Report by RO Martin Crysell A…

Notice of Race – ND 6M Wyre Trophy Open – 2nd June 2024

Fleetwood are pleased to announce entry is open for the…

• previous post: MYA IOM Ranking race, Two Islands RYC.
• next post: DF95 Wednesday Winter Series at Guildford MYC, Report.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

Simply Designed Better

• Products by Category /
• Six Metre Class /

A Manual of Yacht Designs - John Lewis

• Shopping Cart
• Shipping Info
• Terms & Conditions
• Suppliers and Stock
• Meet the Staff
• Environment

Quick Overview

A Manual of Yacht Designs - John Lewis.

Contains the author’s 10R, M, 6M & A Class designs reproduced at A4 size & spanning the years 1950 to 1990. An insight into the sport’s development from one of its most prolific and consistent designers during that time.

Lewis was joint author of the famous Priest and Lewis 'Model Racing Yachts' published by MAP in the late 1960s.

Sorry, all stock sold. Product page left here for information.

Product code. BK-31

Availability: Out of stock

• | Add to Compare

• Product Description

Contains many of the author’s A Class, Ten Rater, 6 Metre and Marblehead class designs reproduced at A4 size & spanning the years 1950 to 1990. An insight into the sport’s development from one of its most prolific and consistent designers during that time.

Including the lines of thirty-two A Class, twenty-two 10 Raters, four 6 Metres, two Marbleheads, two 12 Metres, a 5.5 Metre, two power boats, three cruising yachts, a river launch, a praam dinghy, and some designs by W.H. Davey from whom John Lewis learnt.

Purchase the later book BK-40, 'Yacht Designs 1991 to 2002' and this one together, take a £5 discount and save on postage at the same time.

Important milestone designs from John Lewis include: Moonshine, Moby Dick, Kubernetes, Kami Sama, Peter Pim, Trident, Argo, Sirocco, Red Herring, High Tension, Cracker, Pulsar, Synergy.

• Products by Class
• Hull Appendages
• Boat Building Materials
• Mast & Boom Spars
• Booms & Boom Kits
• Standing Rigging
• Running Rigging
• Mast Fittings
• Goosenecks/Vangs
• Swing Rig Fittings
• Boom Fittings
• Rigging Fittings
• Other Hull Fittings
• Hull Appendage Fittings
• RC Installation
• Vintage Style
• Sail Identification
• Sail Making Materials
• Rig Storage
• Transmitter Cover
• Sailing Aids
• Countersunk Head
• Socket Head
• Hexagon Head
• Self-Tapping
• Int. One Metre Class
• Int. Marblehead Class
• Int. Ten Rater Class
• Int. A Class
• Six Metre Class
• 36" Restricted Class
• Other Classes
• Products - Spotlight

Frank Russell Design

R/c and model yacht design, plans, boats, sails..

I have been a designer of model and radio yachts since 1968. Boats been built from my plans now number in the hundreds both from both home and production builders. Many of my designs have won State and National Championships in Australia and overseas. New designs are added periodically and occasionally I do receive requests for specific designs. I also from time to time produce free plans.

Most of my older plans Pre 2000 will eventually be available as PDF files of the original large format drawing. The plans are located here:

A more complete list of my designs is here:

Plans are normally drawn on A4 and A3 format. Sections and appendages are normally drawn full size, 1:1. Some fin and bulb drawings are drawn to be printed in two halves and joined after printing. Arrangement drawings are 1:5 and sometimes 1:4.  

Make sure when printing that the “Scaling” or “Fit to Page” option is turned off in your printer setup when you print. I also have the “Print Preview” turned on as well so I can check if the page size is correct. All drawings are in either A4 or A3 size paper.

Each drawing has a 100mm scale which will allow you to see if the drawings are the correct size.

The PDF drawings are usually emailed within a few hours of receiving your order from Paypal by email. DXF and DWG formats are available for most plans. Just ask and they also will be emailed. 

Printed Paper Plans are available and are printed from the same plan as the PDF. Please ask before ordering. There is usually an additional postage charge for Printed Paper Plans.

LATEST PLANS:

The Erebus -10r shape is based on the Ellipsis IOM. The design has the  same LCB and waterline as the P6.1, so Phoenix 6 sail plans can be transferred over to the new hull. The hull is more rounded and has more reserve buoyancy above the waterline which will give the hull more lift over waves. The bow profile also has been lifted slightly for the same reason. Hull balance should be excellent. The deck is flat for simplicity and the plans show the same inbuilt mast ram setup I have been using successfully on both my A Class and 6 Metre designs. Any P6 sail plans used may need to be slightly altered. The Erebus sail plans are similar to the P6.1 but have been modified to suit the new deck design.

LOA 1650mm LWL 1200mm BOA 175mm  4.0kg ballast displacement 5.8kg Draught 630mm

After payment is made. I will email you the pdf file. Plan has A3, A4 sheets and a larger sheet with sections designed for laser cutting.

A printed paper plan can be supplied, postage extra.

Ellipsis M Version 2a Marblehead 2018-2024:    This design is based on the successful Ellipsis IOM concept, as is the second of  two sailing prototypes for the Equation M design. Of the 3 designs produced, this is favourite and was the only hull created by cutting the Ellipsis IOM in half and adding 128mm to the middle section and then re-fairing. The hull was then rescaled to the needed size and shape.

After payment is made. I will email you the pdf file.

If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D or printed paper plan, postage extra.

Equation Marblehead 2019:    This design is based on the successful Ellipsis IOM concept, that of correct volume distribution rather than fashionable features with the emphasis on simplicity This design is the result of two Sailing Marblehead prototypes, The Ellipsis 1c and Ellipsis 2a.

If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D  or printed paper plan, postage extra.

Paperclip Mk3 IOM 2024 The hard chine version of the Ellipsis and Equinox IOM’s. It is intended to be built “Tape and Glue” from 1mm plywood sheets. The PDF and DXF drawings for theses hull and deck panels are included as are the sections if you would like to build the hull over frames.  The prototype built by Tony Goldsworthy seems to perform well.

The PDF Plan is on 7 A4 and 2 A3 sheets, The laser cut sheets are on 2 large sheets PDF and DXF.  The Plan is also available on  DXF, or DWG

LOA: 938mm LWL: 915mm BOA: 190mm Disp: 5.1kg

PDF Plan emailed or Printed and posted on 6 A4 and A3 sheets

If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D or 3D or printed paper plan, postage extra.

Ellipsis 36 2023 is a 36 inch restricted class designs based on the Ellipsis IOM design. The 36r design was a request from a UK skipper for a lighter version of the 2017 design for both Radio and vane sailing. This design shuld be more suitable for lighter wind smooth water venues than the 2017.

LOA: 938mm LWL: 915mm BOA: 189mm Disp: 4.4kg

Goth 36 2017 is an 36 inch restricted class design based on the Goth IOM design. The original request came from John Fisher in 2013 who wanted a very light 36r for vane sailing. This design is the third design in the series, which has progressively become heavier and more successful.

New Equinox IOM   Plan : The Equinox is a variant of the Ellipsis… IOM.  The basic  design was produced initially as a 3D printed project that never eventuated for various reasons. Two prototypes were built including a 3D printed boat which was built by John Taylor in the UK.  The design incorporates several features of some of the newer IOM shapes including a fuller higher bow profile and wider stern. The design is well balanced and well behaved like the Ellipsis and should be as easy to plank from wood.

Hulls an components for this design are now available. See IOM COMPONENTS Page.

Please ask If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D or 3D or printed paper plan, Postage extra.

Phoenix 4 2020 10r Every new design presents a designer with options to consider and directions to go. After a ten year gap from the P3, all 10r’s had adopted the deep keel, light weight approach and although it did seem to work I after the P5 I though that the Phoenix 4 design although fast went in the wrong direction. I always have thought about what I should have done. So this is P4- 2020, with 2020 hindsight is the result.

LOA 1550mm LWL 1250mm BOA 200mm BWL 180mm, 4.2kg ballast on 600mm Draught and P1 to P3, Marblehead style sail plans on a flat deck.

She even drawn in the same software as the original.

After payment is made. I will email you the pdf file. Plan has A3, A4 sheets and a larger sheet with sections deasigned for laser cutting.

Goth 36 is an 36 inch restricted class design based on the Goth IOM design. The original request came from John Fisher in 2013 who wanted a very light 36r for vane sailing. this design is the second in the series, heavier and more successful.   There is also a later 2017 version which will be published soon.

LOA: 938mm LWL: 899mm BOA: 190mm Disp: 4.4kg

If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D or 3D or printed paper plan, just ask.

UFO Mk2 – A development of the successful UFO with a heavier displacement and larger sail plan. Improved aft sections with the chine removed.

LOA: 1838mmLWL: 1250mm Disp: 15kg SA: 0.978763 m2

PDF Plan emailed or Printed and posted on 12 A3 sheets

Phoenix 8 – 10r:  The Phoenix MK 8 is a larger more powerful boat than the last three Phoenix Mks. The P8 is a return to the simple design, No chines, no raised fore deck and Marblehead rig profiles as used from P1 to P3. This allows simpler light weight construction and fully open soft decks and shared rigs if you have a Marblehead.

LOA: 1650 mm LWL: 1240mm, BOA: 170mm, Draught: 630 – 680mm, Disp 5.7kg, SA: 1.00 m2

The Free updated IOM mast and boom schematic along with FRD IOM Setup Guide

FRD IOM Setup Guide Mast and Booms combined Feb 2020

Epsilon RG65 – 65 2019:    This design is based on the successful Ellipsis IOM concept, that of correct volume distribution rather than fashionable features with the emphasis on simplicity and efficiency.

Plans are PDF format or printed paper plan only. 3D hull and 2D bow and stern sections in DXF or DWG format are available on request.

Cerberus – 6m Something more of a challenge from a designers and builder’s point of view. A class I have always admired. This is Cerberus, my first published Six Metre design. This is the result of several requests for a design in the class and also a desire on my part build a six Metre for fun sailing locally. There are a couple of boats that will be built in the UK to join the fleet there. This design is intended to excel in moderate winds and will outperform anything of similar size drought and displacement in Australian conditions. Plans are $30 pdf plans from my PLANS page with other formats available. This design may also be available for 3D printing at a later date.

LOA: 1515mm, LWL :1020mm, Displacement: 11.75kg,  SA:0.682019m2

--> Sedgemoor Model Boat Club

Radio Yachting, Fast Electric Racing and Scale model boating

Mike Hayward’s 6M build

The construction of the 6 metre model yacht “Athene” (from a design by Admiral Alfred Turner 1925) by Michael Hayward

The whole project started some thirty years ago when a good friend of mine, Ian Wheeler from Hertfordshire, sent me a plan of a six metre design which he thought I might like to study. Being involved with model radio controlled aircraft at the time, I put the design to one side but left it on my workshop noticeboard for future consideration.

Thirty years on and retired from teaching in 2006 I looked for a new project, having already restored a fifty year old Merlin Rocket racing dinghy in 2009. Athene was the obvious challenge. Although I had an idea of the construction of a planked hull, I nevertheless found it necessary to obtain a number of books on the subject, including those by W J Daniels, Percival Marshall, Vic Smeed and R Griffin. Without them I doubt if the boat would have been completed.

The first task was to scale up the drawing with pencil and paper and then trace the shadows, allowing for 1mm ribs and 2.5mm planking. The shadows were cut from 6mm plywood and the keel/backbone from 9mm marine plywood then mounted on a “T” section pine building board with a 6mm ply top face. The choice of timber for planking was discussed with a local timber merchant at Interesting Timbers based on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Cedar of Lebanon was chosen as they had in the past supplied a number of model makers for similar constructions.

Planking from gunwale to keel, each plank was tapered and bevelled along its length to the proportion of the shadow at each station. Planks were cut in pairs and glued with Cascamite adhesive port and starboard to maintain symmetry. Holding the planks in place, whilst allowing the glue to cure, was no mean task, using a combination of clamps, modelling pins and Duck Tape. On average it was possible to position one plank on each side in the early morning and another plank on each side in the early evening per day. Some may disapprove, but the bow, stern and keel were completed with solid Cedar of Lebanon. The whole interior was finished with one coat of West Systems epoxy resin. Deck beams were positioned with consideration for radio control and glued in place after shaping each one for a curved decking. Having no experience with radio yachts, I was very conscious of placing fittings on the deck prior to glueing the deck down. Trial and error and reading Model Radio Yachts by Trevor Reece helped immensely so that various positions could be reinforced on the underside of the deck before committing it to the hull. The underside of the deck was marine varnished prior to fixing.

Having had experience in sand casting as a teacher, I knew I could cast the keel. But being retired, prevented me from having access to all the specialist equipment. Nevertheless I explored the possibility and found a supplier of casting sand in Hertfordshire and set about the task of acquiring a heat source to melt the lead. In the process I found that Bristol had a casting foundry not far from my home. So a visit was arranged. The Bristol foundry is a two man concern dealing with one-off commissions for local clients. One at that time being the BBC Nature Unit, who required caste aluminium penguins to house cameras for a forthcoming nature programme! I had already removed the keel section required for the casting and intended to use it as the pattern for the mould. Taking the pattern and my own lead, there was no problem for Bristol Foundry casting the keel whilst I was present to record the process on camera. The pattern had been slightly enlarged to allow for the contraction of the casting which I found to be near perfect when I offered it up to the boat. Large stainless steel screws and epoxy resin now hold the lead firmly in place.

A second local timber merchant was used to supply the wood for the mast and boom. Robins Timber in Bristol recommended Douglas Fir, as Sitka Spruce was well beyond my budget and, anyway, it is Douglas Fir that Robins supply to local boat yards for the restoration of spars on traditional sailing craft. The mast on Athene is some 76 inches in length, laminated in two halves along its length, each half being hollowed out (as per W J Daniels) to reduce weight aloft. The same applied to the boom, although this was not hollowed. At this stage a decision had to be made as to the material for the sails. At the end of the day it just had to be cotton, so a phone call to Nylet and a chat to Frank Parsons set the order in place. Having now received them and rigged the model, the extra cost has been well worth it. Nylet have done an outstanding job, fully enhancing the classic lines of Admiral Turner’s creation. All the metal fittings were made in my workshop apart from small blocks and hooks supplied by Nylet along with the rigging.

Finishing of any model always takes longer than expected and one that I really enjoy. The hull was sanded down with fine glass paper, sealed, primed, undercoated and gloss finished with a total of some six coats with fine wet and dry paper between each coat. The deck was finished with the same care with five coats of semi-gloss polyurethane varnish.

I hope you all enjoy the lines of Athene as much as I do and appreciate the skill and creative thinking of Admiral Turner way back in 1925. All that is now required is the maiden voyage and an entry for the Richard Howlett Trophy.

Postscript Since I wrote the above account of the build of Athene, I unfortunately had to spend time recovering from surgery which prevented me from launching her, although I was lucky enough to win the Howlett Trophy.

It was by chance that I contacted Weston Aerials to solve a TV problem and therefore met Russ. He saw Athene in my workshop and told me of SMBC and said he would help me sail her. On a perfect August Wednesday in 2019 he and fellow club members made the launch a great success. She looked fine and sailed very well. Many thanks to all those members for a memorable afternoon.

• Latest News
• 2024 Calendar
• Club Membership Form
• MYA Membership Request
• Constitution, Rules, Risk Assessment, Privacy Policy & PL Insurance
• Club Clothing & stickers
• Sedgemoor vs Woodspring club IOM match 2023
• IOM Rules & Measurment
• IOM Sail Numbers
• DF95 results 2023
• DF95 One Hour Race 2023
• Sedgemoor DF95 Open Event
• DF95 Sail Numbers
• SYS 1 Hour Race 2024
• Small Yacht Section (SYS) rules
• Small Yacht Sail Numbers
• FE Race Numbers
• Scale Challenge Series results
• Members Models
• Free Sail & Scale
• Trophy Wall
• Playday 2023
• Wet n Dry Race 2023
• Class of 2023

Support the archive. Submit your records or donate here!

• About the Six Metres

The International Six Metre class of competitive sailing boats has a long history, stemming from the introduction of the International Rule – also known as the Metre Rule – in 1907. Several sizes of International Rule boats became popular, including Eights and Twelves, but it is the Sixes that have formed by far the largest class.

Six Metre Basics

Six Metres are all similar in design at around 11 metres, or 36 feet, in length. Their ideal sailing conditions are calm waters with winds up to force 5. They are raced with a crew of five people, although they can be handled with fewer. Most have a Bermudan rig with a mainsail and overlapping genoa. On downwind legs they will sail with a large spinnaker.

Much like racing cars, Six Metres are stripped down to the basics to save weight. They provide little shelter from the weather and have no creature comforts. They are notoriously wet boats to sail, meaning that the crew must come prepared for all conditions.

A Development Class

The International Rule very rapidly became the basis for designing yachts to a specific rating so that they could compete boat-for boat without a handicap. Unlike One Design classes where every boat is identical, boats built to the International Rule have a degree of flexibility in design. As long as their dimensions conform to the Rule, designers can be creative, meaning that each boat is different but they compete on a level playing field without handicaps. This degree of creativity helps to push the boundaries of boat design, each new boat trying to gain the competitive edge over their peers whilst still meeting the requirements of the class.

Changing the Rules

The original First International Rule was supposed to be reviewed after 10 years, but the world situation meant that the review which generated the Second Rule did not complete until 1923. A further review produced the Third Rule in 1933, and the Rule has been subject to a number of amendments since then, but the basic principle of the Rule has remained unchanged.

Throughout the history of the Class, the International Six Metre has been a hotbed for technical innovation with the world’s leading yacht designers and sailors bringing often radical concepts and technical excellence to the fleet. An Olympic Class from 1908 to 1952, the Sixes were also frequently used as a development testbed for the America’s Cup 12 Metres.

Changing Fortunes

The Class has inevitably seen peaks and troughs of activity. The 1920s and 30s saw a frenzy of new boat construction, but after the second world war there was a focus on smaller boats which brought about a downturn. The adoption of the Twelve Metre for the America’s Cup in 1958, however, brought renewed interest in the International Rule and generated a number of design innovations, and so began the resurgence of this extraordinary class.

Clever management of both the Rule and the international class association by its dedicated officers and members has seen the International Six Metre return to its rightful place as one of the most exciting and important racing fleets. It brings together the elegance of the Classic Division with the cutting-edge development of the modern boats in the Open Division, in a regatta circuit that takes competitors to some of the most spectacular yachting venues around the globe. The World Championships, held every two years, has in recent years has been held in Canada, France, Germany and Finland with sailors bringing their boats across the globe to compete in this exciting and often tightly fought competition. Such is the level of sailing, that the class attracts some of the best sailors in the world, from America’s Cup winners to Olympic gold medalists.

In this section

• Using the site
• Contributors

We need your support

Support our project and submit your records or make a donation to the International Six Metre Archive.

Sign up for the Newsletter

• Boat Profiles
• Archive Documents
• Race Results
• Certificates
• Six Metre Stories
• About the project
• Get involved
• FAQ’s

Search the website...

International 6 Metre Association

2024 Challenge Lemanique Invitation

2024 Mallorca Six Metre Series

Celebrate the Centenary of the 1924 Paris Olympics

SIX METRE EUROPEANS 2024 WEBSITE NOW LIVE – MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Welcome to the online home of the International Six Metre Association. With their elegant lines, effortless sailing performance and exceptional international regatta circuit the Sixes have remained at the forefront of international sailing for over a century.

The class dates back to 1907 and the introduction of the International Rule, also known as the Metre Rule. Throughout the class’s history it has been a hotbed for technical innovation with the world’s leading yacht designers and sailors bringing often radical concepts and technical excellence to the fleet. An Olympic Class from 1908 to 1952, the Sixes were also frequently used as a development testbed for the America’s Cup 12 Metres. The rule was periodically updated to keep the class at the forefront of technical development, whilst at the same time honouring its extraordinary heritage.

The class has inevitably seen peaks and troughs of activity. The 1920s and 30s saw a frenzy of new boat construction, but the advent of the second world war brought a downturn which continued through the post-war austerity years. In 1975 the first of the “modern” Sixes appeared and so began the resurgence of this extraordinary class. Over 1200 6 Metre boats were built in total, of which some 450 are still in existence today.

Clever management of both the rule and the international class association by its dedicated officers and members has seen the International Six Metre return to its rightful place as one of the most exciting and important racing fleets on the planet. It brings together the elegance of the Classic Division with the cutting-edge development of the modern boats in the Open Division, in a regatta circuit that takes competitors to some of the most spectacular yachting venues around the globe. The camaraderie amongst the fleet is exceptional and the après-sailing lifestyle is as elegant as the yachts themselves.

Whether your interest is in sailing purely for pleasure, or racing at the cutting edge, the class has something to offer everyone, and it can be surprisingly good value for money too as the cost of a good second-hand modern boat is likely to be much less than you might think.

Please explore the pages of this website to find out more about the class and the events we run, and for a list of boats for sale or charter.

To find out more about the International Six Metre Association please contact ISMA Class Secretary Tim Russell by Email: [email protected]

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

British International Six Metre Association

Welcome to the online home of the British International Six Metre Association.

Over 1,200 Six Metre boats were built in total, of which some 450 are still in existence today and the UK has one of the largest fleets. Some early Fife boats built in 1907 are still sailing – often against Moderns. Some Classics have been beautifully modified for cruising and others race regularly.

The class covers a wide range of sailing, whilst at the same time retaining the heritage of international racing in thoroughbred boats that don’t have to break the bank. All have one thing in common: their distinctive sailing silhouette and an adherence to a tried and tested formula. A tribute to the designers and builders. There is no doubt the class generates a passion and devotion driven by the stunning appearance of the boats and their historical significance.

Now well over 100 years since the first rule was written, metre boats have been at the forefront of yacht development ever since – they were amongst the first boats sailing in the Olympics, right from the 1908 London Olympics until 1952 in Helsinki. 6mRs were also used for the British-American Cup (team racing and an event far more prestigious than the America’s Cup in its day) and the Seawanhaka Cup (match racing) throughout the 1930’s.

Of the other international rule classes, the 8mRs have been the first choice boat for European Royalty, some of the 23mR were converted to ‘J’-class yachts and the 12mR were the boats used to challenge for the America’s Cup for 30 years once racing started again after the war and until a more modern derivative was designed.

Hull designs have always been technologically advanced. Wing keels, rod shrouds and the latest in sail design and build on the Moderns contrast with the ageless wooden decks and fittings of the Classics. Both classes sail together; often the fastest Classics mixing it with the Moderns. There has been a real resurgence of interest with many old boats being restored, new boats being built and some of the mega-stars of the sailing world choosing metre boats for their personal sailing. The International Six Metre Association has members in many European and American sailing centres.

Aims of BISMA

The UK 6mR fleet is largely based in the Solent with another group of boats in the West Country. The programme is devised to provide maximum opportunity to sail together, combined with the ability of the boats to get to each venue by sailing or transport. Many boats have a 7.5 ton lorry which is sufficient to move the boats and at each venue launching facilities are organised.

Friends & Crewing

If you have an interest in the class, please  register as a ‘Friend’  or become an Associate Member to support the class. Regular crew are encouraged to become Associate Members. Click here for Membership details .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

First look at the yacht owned by the Crown Prince of Dubai

Saxdor Yachts has announced the delivery of a Saxdor 400 GTO to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

Measuring 12.4 metres, the model is the Finnish shipyard's flagship and is characterised by an impressive top speed of 48 knots.

Another key feature is the open wheelhouse which extends to the full beam of the boat. This maximises the internal living space and offers direct access to side terraces, a unique design feature that "creates a private island experience while at rest".

Accommodation includes a forward double cabin, an aft cabin and an optional configuration for children. The aft deck sunbed extends across the 3.6-metre beam, while the bow seating area (with optional Bimini) provides a "gorgeous sunset cocktail setup" according to the shipyard. Other leisure highlights include a barbecue, sink and hi-low tables for flexible al fresco living.

"We are extremely delighted and deeply honoured to have been selected by His Highness," said shipyard CEO Erna Rusi. "The Prince’s Saxdor 400 GTO was delivered with special attention, with several people from our senior team present to ensure the best possible experience. We look forward to seeing His Highness enjoy the great features of the boat."

Saxdor Yachts has nine models in its portfolio ranging from 5.9 to 12.4 metres.

More stories

Most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.