The 12mR, or Twelve Metre Class, is a classical sailing yacht class based on the International Rule (R Rule). The yachts are sloops and measure 20–23 metres in length - so they are not actually twelve metres long.
A 12mR yacht has a total sail area of just under 200 m², in addition to which a spinnaker of over 300 m² can be hoisted at the bow. Flying this sail alone requires six crew members on the foredeck.
The first classic 12mR yachts were built in 1907. They are perhaps best known as America’s Cup yachts from 1958 to 1987, although they were also used in the Olympic Games in 1908, 1912, and 1920.
In August 2021, the 12mR World Championship held in Helsinki featured nine yachts. Due to strong wind and waves, some of the race starts had to be cancelled or postponed. The racecourse was located south of Isosaari, an area well known for its large waves.
In the photo, the Danish yacht Thea (D I) on the left, and the Norwegian yacht Vema III (N II) on the right.
The 12mR, or Twelve Metre Class, is a classical sailing yacht class based on the International Rule (R Rule). The yachts are sloops and measure 20–23 metres in length - so they are not actually twelve metres long.
A 12mR yacht has a total sail area of just under 200 m², in addition to which a spinnaker of over 300 m² can be hoisted at the bow. Flying this sail alone requires six crew members on the foredeck.
The first classic 12mR yachts were built in 1907. They are perhaps best known as America’s Cup yachts from 1958 to 1987, although they were also used in the Olympic Games in 1908, 1912, and 1920.
In August 2021, the 12mR World Championship held in Helsinki featured nine yachts. Due to strong wind and waves, some of the race starts had to be cancelled or postponed. The racecourse was located south of Isosaari, an area well known for its large waves.
In the photo, the Danish yacht Thea (D I) on the left, and the Norwegian yacht Vema III (N II) on the right.
