The Ten Rater is a medium-sized yacht with a reputation for speed. This development class is restricted by a simple formula of waterline length multiplied by sail area, multiplied by eight, to equal ten or less. As there are few restrictions, the class allows the greatest freedom for development and experimentation. 60-65" long.

The 10 Rater is a medium to large size developmental class yacht with a reputation for speed. Also recognized by AMYA as an International class, worldwide support for this graceful yacht promotes racing and design advancements on the very leading edge of performance. The name "10 Rater" refers to the formula used to determine the legality of boats within this class. If, after working through a formula, you arrive at a number of "10" or less, then you have a boat that fits into the 10 Rater class.

The 10 Rater class of model yachts is based on the length by sail area rule of 1887. Shortly after this rule was adopted for rating full sized yachts, model builders began using the rule as a foundation for new boat design. The 10 Rater class is unique in its method of "rating" yachts, where the only two parameters that matter are waterline length and total sail area. However, as each parameter contributes toward boat speed, their relationship may only change inversely: as one goes up, the other must go down. This allows 10 Raters to be highly specialized for local performance, or in the most extreme sailing conditions worldwide. The present 10 Rater class-rating rule allows builders the greatest freedom to experiment with performance improving design and technology.

With such latitude allowed in boat design, the tradition of constantly evolving design innovations and construction materials continues today. The "rigs" on 10 Raters are not limited only to soft sails, but may use rigid wings, or a combination of soft sails on wing masts. Each of these performance enhancements is not overlooked, and is counted toward the total sail area; while no design or material restrictions are imposed, no free areas are given either. The result of this unique rating method is an unparalleled efficiency with which 10 Raters extract power from the wind. Below these powerful rigs, 10 Rater hulls are open to experimentation as well. Hull construction materials and techniques are often hi-tech and state of the art, although modern wood construction may still be used to produce competitive yachts. The greater emphasis is on design innovation, with a steady stream of new ideas coming from the drawing boards of both amateur and professional designers. Builders have many choices of plans and modern kits available to suit their local waters. Prices are reasonable, given the high performance and durability of these products. The added value of over 100 years of progressive development that is built into every 10 Rater, is not available in any other class.

Being one of the fastest and most technically demanding of all monohull model yacht classes, the 10 Rater is not a beginner's boat. It is more the "Major League" of the sport of model yacht racing. This gives the Class a relatively small population in local areas, but a worldwide popularity among veteran skippers who enjoy the challenge of competing at the highest level. With the recent introduction of several entry-level model yacht classes, more skippers are discovering the sport than ever before. As many of these new sailors are already looking for greater challenges, there has come a renewed interest in the advanced classes, like the 10 Rater. This has created some new fleets and promoted the growth of existing fleets, which insures the 10 Rater class a bright future to match its long and illustrious past.

One Design Sanctioned in 1995. Also called "One Design One Meter". The ODOM is based on a U.S. One Meter design. This small-sized yacht's kit must be initially purchased from the manufacturer. Sails are strictly controlled, but may be purchased or made from scratch. This one design class allows no variations. The class is managed by a class association. 39.37" long.

Odom is a One Design Class. See the Class Rules for specifications. Length 39 3/8". Weight 7 1/4 lbs. height bottom of bulb to masthead 75". Comes in 12 hull colors. Minimum construction time. Good entry level boat. Handles strong puffs, choppy water, and points well.

The Soling 50 is based on the full-size Olympic Soling. This medium-sized yacht's hull must be initially purchased from a manufacturer (See Class Page). Decks, keels, rigging, spars and sails are strictly controlled, but may be purchased or made from scratch. Almost all other equipment is up to the owner. 50" long.

Based on the full-sized Star Class of Olympic and International fame. Builders are allowed variability in materials but dimensions are closely controlled. 45" long.

One Design Sanctioned in 1997. Large one-design modeled after full-size "Maxi" boats. 2000 sq. in. of sail, 30 pounds displacement and is 79" long.

Performance is the name of the game and these boats will get up on plane in a breeze, particularly on a reach. Many top sailors will attest, including Nationally ranked IOM skippers; this is as close to "real boat" sailing as you will find in a R/C model boat.

The boat is 79" in overall length, 63" at the waterline with a 15" beam and carrying 2,000 square inches of sail on a fractional rig. The minimum weight of the boat is 30 pounds, although most boats in the fleet are closer to 32 pounds (up to 35 lbs). The keel bulb weighs in at 19 pounds.

As a one-design class; the hull form, rudder and rig/sail dimensions are controlled by rule. That said there are opportunities for significant innovations in electronics and sail control; two channel boats are competitive as are boats operating with up to 7 channels. Additional features include powered boom vangs (introduced by Adrian Olson), powered backstay tension and jib trim in order to provide improved on the water sail control, similar to a "real boat". Multiple rigs are not required and the boat moves well across the wind ranges to 20+ knots.

There have been 80+ boats built to date, primarily by George Ribeiro and Adrian Olson. George Ribeiro is the current builder of record. He offers build kits to various stages of completion. George's coordinates are (831) 247-1428, george.sail@icloud.com and 360 Fiesta Way, Watsonville, CA 95076.