INTERNATIONAL 2.4MR CLASS AT RFBYC

INTERNATIONAL 2.4MR CLASS

YACHTS AT RFBYC

John Brodziak sailing his boat with the Club behind; photo by John Anderson Hobart run; photographer Angus Calvert

AGROUP OF RFBYC MEMBERS ARE keen to introduce the International 2.4 metre rating class at the Club with the intention of racing with the off-the-beach fleets.

For those that haven’t yet seen the two boats in the Western hardstand area, the 2.4mR is a one-person keelboat that offers even the most accomplished competitive sailors a unique opportunity to test their sailing skills. The 2.4mR can be as complex and challenging as an Etchells or a Dragon but on a more manageable scale, and without the high initial cost, the high maintenance costs, or the need for crew. In addition, the 2.4mR can be used as a platform to further develop team racing, fleet racing and match racing for up-and-coming sailors.

The shape of the 2.4mR resembles that of larger yachts that adhere to the metre rule, in particular the 12-metre class yachts that competed for the America’s Cup for many years, and renowned in Australia for the win by Australia II in 1983.

The 2.4mR was first developed in Sweden at the beginning of the 1980s. Of several initial designs, the most popular and enduring was one by Peter Norlin. Following this success, Norlin then created the Mk II and subsequently the Norlin Mk III. The yachts currently at the Club are Mk IIIs. The Norlin Mk III is 4.16m LOA, has a beam of 0.805m and a draft of 1.0m. The measured weight is 254kg, of which 184kg is lead ballast in the hollow keel. The measured sail area is 7.5 sqm.

By the end of the eighties the class was firmly established and in 1988 the first set of class rules were accepted by the Scandinavian Sailing Federation. In 1993 the class was acknowledged by World Sailing and granted status as an International Class. National and World Championships are held annually in Europe, the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA under the auspices of World Sailing. The 2015 Open World Championship in Rauma, Finland attracted 102 competitors from 15 nations. The 2016 World Championships were held in Hobart with 35 starters.

The 2.4 metre rating class is a development class, and as such the design is not fixed but is at the discretion of the designer, providing the Class Measurement Rules are complied with, and the calculated rating in accordance with the Rules does not exceed 2.40. Within the development class, boats of the Norlin Mk III design can also race as a one-design class division.

The 2.4mR class grew popular as it offered a whole new concept to sailing. To date, over 4,000 boats have been built worldwide. The sailor sits in the boat without a requirement to shift body weight to keep the boat upright, making the class suited for sailors of any physical fitness level to sail competitively. The class became popular with disabled

main: the shape of the 2.4mR resembles that of larger yachts that adhere to the metre rule insert: using the modular pontoon to access the cockpit

INTERNATIONAL 2.4MR CLASS

CONTINUED

AUSTRALIAN RACING CALENDAR

Sail Melbourne International: Melbourne January 2023 Australian Nationals: Hobart February 2023 Sail Melbourne International: Melbourne January 2024 Australian Nationals: Melbourne February 2024 World Championships: Melbourne February 2024

sailors, giving the class an extra dimension and media coverage.

All the sail and rig controls are displayed in easy reach in front of the helmsperson. The 2.4mR can be fitted with hand or foot-controlled steering, or with both. The sailor’s weight is close to the centre of gravity; therefore, size and fitness level of the sailor have a negligible impact on speed. The 2.4mR can be considered the most inclusive sailing boat available today, making all competitors potentially equal on the water regardless of their age, physical ability or gender. The competitive success of the individual depends on pure sailing skills, with an emphasis on strategy, sail trim and speed.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A 2.4MR CLASS FLEET AT RFBYC

The Club has endorsed the resolve of Sailing Committee to support a proposal to establish a fleet of the 2.4mR Class. It will require five boats to constitute a class within the Club. So far it is likely that a minimum of three boats will be on the water by next season.

The yachts will be registered as an off-the-beach class and can be allocated hardstanding area as available. Racing will be held as part of the dinghy racing on Sundays. The Club has nominated the Flying Fifteen crane as available for use of the 2.4s in accordance with the Club regulations, and it has provided a ladder inside the fender line at the crane for access to the boats with their low freeboard. The Club is installing a modular pontoon with sufficient modules to provide a safe stable platform to the boats for rigging and access to the cockpit.

Currently there are two Norlin Mk III’s at RFBYC, of which one is for sale, and both are available for inspection and sailing trials by arrangement. Open days to introduce the class to interested Members are being organised.

Used boats range from $5,000 to $8,000 plus transport from over East. New boats imported from Europe are $20,000 ex-factory and with sails. There are no current Australian builders of the 2.4mR, however our search extends to that option. A timber/fibreglass composite boat is currently under construction in Perth to an Open Class oneoff design which would be available as a plug for a mould if required.

RACING IN MELBOURNE

There are currently some 30 yachts in the Eastern States, with great interest in the up-and-coming World Championships in February 2024.

For information, or to arrange a sail, please contact John Brodziak on 0412 326 272.