What We Race
10 Rater - Developmental

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.
Class Rules


CR 914 - One Design

The CR 914 is based on the original design of the International America's Cup Class.This one design class allows no variations in hulls, spars, sails or replacement parts. 36" (914mm) long, 658 sq. in. sail area, 6.25 lb displacement.

​The 914 millimeter long CR 914 is based on the original design of the International America's Cup Class. Because the CR 914 is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased fully built or can be assembled from a kit without special skills or tools, it qualifies as an entry-level class. A high performance racing machine that accelerates quickly, turns on a dime and points like a tour guide. It sails well in an extremely wide range of wind velocities, without having to use multiple rigs for light and heavy air like some other classes must do. Weighing only 6.25 pounds and carrying 658 square inches of sail area, it ghosts amazingly well in the lightest of air. Ballasted by over three pounds of lead in the streamlined bulb at the end of its deep fin keel, however, this remarkable little boat readily handles a 20 knot wind and can keep racing in gusts to 30 without shortening sail.

The hull and deck are cast as one piece of ABS plastic. The high-aspect-ratio foil-shaped rudder and keel fin are molded with their shafts installed. The spars are made of aluminum tubing, the keel bulb is a shaped lead casting, and the sails are dye-cut from lightweight rip-stop polyester spinnaker cloth. Kits come from the US distributor with complete electronics, a boat stand, epoxy and cyan acrylic glue, and an "upgrade package" that has been developed in the United Stares to overcome a few minor shortcomings in the original kit that were identified early in our experience with the boat. You get all the parts, reinforcing materials, fasteners and everything else you need to build and sail the CR 914 except sandpaper and batteries. Oh, yes, before you can go sailing you also need some water. Kits, partially built boats, finished boats ready to sail, and boats with custom paint jobs and special graphics can be ordered from the US distributor, Chesapeake Performance Models, which also carries a full line of parts and accessories.

Class Rules

Class Website

Victoria  - One Design

Sanctioned in 1997. Low cost, ARS kit from Thunder Tiger modeled after the America's Cup yachts from the 1990's. 30.7" long, 433 sq in sail area, 4.5 lbs displacement.
The Victoria One Design is a simple, affordable, sailboat manufactured by the Thunder Tiger Model Company, and distributed world wide. The kit's low cost (about $150 for the kit, $250 to perhaps $400 ready to race), ease of assembly, and good sailing characteristics make it a great first yacht, while remaining fun to sail and race for old hands as well. It is easy to transport, fully rigged, in the smallest of cars. The emphasis of the Victoria is on SIMPLICITY and FUN, and to these ends check out the Victoria Class Information Center for the latest building, tuning, and sailing tips, along with other interesting and useful information about the boat.

The boat itself is made of ABS plastic, and is quite durable, capable of surviving virtually any mishap or collision. The kit also includes high quality aluminum spars, sails, and all necessary fittings. All you need to do is add a two-channel radio, two servos and you're ready to sail. Construction is generally a weekend project. The ease of assembly also makes the Victoria a great "club" boat, as new skippers can buy a boat and join the racing with a minimum of trouble and expense. Many clubs conduct "Silver Fleet" racing consisting of boats made entirely from all kit parts.
Class Rules