Yachts in race

Being different in size and rig, they are hard to compare and race with a special rating system that considers the boat's size, the sail surface and the weight and allows to compute the results. The classic yachts race under the rules from the CIM (Comité International de la Méditerranée). A boat, in order to be classified as classic, must be at least 35 years old and is included in a specific class according to its building material and construction features.

A Spirit of Tradition boat is built recently but based on traditional principles. The yachts may be looking similar to their old counterparts but their performances are surely not the same. The Spirit of Tradition class is ruled by IRC like other modern boats.

This rating system (also known as Metric Rule) is so well conceived that is hasn't been changed since its creation back in 1906! The rule enables to design different boats with very similar performances. The figures 6,8 or 12 have no reference to the boat's length but represent the results of a calculation formula created for designers, or the number of crew on board minus 1. For example a 12M is around 20 metres long for a maximum of 11 sailors.

The 5.5 Metre international class was recognized as an official ISAF class since its creation in 1949. The 5.5 is not a one design class but the races are in real time and the boats are designed with a so called “development” rule allowing for different boats but similar at the same time. In over 60 years around 800 boats have been built, 450 are still sailing and the racing circuit is very active. The class is now divided into three categories: Classic, Evolution and Modern.

The Dragon was created in 1929 by the Norwegian architect Johan Anker. It is one of the most widespread keelboats in the word, has a three persons crew, is 8,9 metres long and has 30 square metres sail surface. The Dragion has been an Olympic class from 1948 to 1972 and is an international ISAF class. Despite being over 80 years old, the Dragon still is one of the most beloved keelboats and especially in France, where the Mediterranean fleet is essentially from the Yacht Club de Cannes. The Dragons have been participating to the Régates Royales® since over 30 years, a race that is today calssified as an Historical Event and is called Trophée Beachcomber Hotels/Ile Maurice/Comte de Cheurlin.

This pleasant-looking boat was designed by the architects Joubert/Nivelt, with a classical yet modern taste. The Tofinou 9.5 is a very simple boat that can be easily sailed single-handed or by families. For this reason all the halyard and sheets can be managed by the helm, at mid-cockpit. The jib is mounted on a furler and self-tacking. All the ropes are hidden under a beautiful wooden and removable deck.