Schooner R/C Class Rules

Revision Date: August 2019
Revising Editors: John Henderson and John Stoudt

These revised Class Rules of 2019 shall govern the Schooner Class from the date of publication until revised by consensus or recommendation by the class owners.

It is reasonable to expect that the class rules may evolve with time to improve clarity, correct unforeseen problems, or embrace advancing R/C technology. It is the intent of the class that any potential changes not disqualify existing boats.

Schooner model yachts should follow the design practices of full-size yachts from the mid-20th century or earlier. Note that the determining factor is the design type, not the actual date of the design. This is meant to encourage new designs that fall within the spirit of Schooner design types and also to encourage reproductions of earlier designs as well as pond yachts of the era.

All Schooner model yachts participating in racing competition sponsored by US VMYG must comply with these class-rating rules. It is the responsibility of each skipper to prepare his boat in accordance with the Rules and Specifications referenced or included in this document. The intent of the US VMYG is to encourage participation and to simplify any certification or measurement processes as much as is consistent with fair racing.

The detailed specifications that Schooner models must follow are given below.

Definition (design type)

A schooner is a sailing ship with two or more fore-and-aft-rigged masts. A two-masted schooner typically has the foremast shorter than the mainmast. Nevertheless, ketches, yawls, and other rigs with more than one fore-and-aft-rigged mast are welcome to participate in the schooner class.

Class Specifications

  • Schooners will be divided into two major categories – scale models and non-scale models.
  • A scale model is defined as an exact scale replica of a full-sized schooner built before 1940. The use of modern fabrics and materials shall not affect the classification of a scale model so long as the model is otherwise in accordance with the definition of a scale model.
  • A non-scale model is defined as a schooner designed in the style of schooners of this era, but it may include keel fins (with or without bulbs) and/or sail area reduced below scale size to improve sailing performance. Schooner-rigged pond yachts of the era, or reproductions thereof, are included in this non-scale category.

Keel

  • There is no depth restriction for the keels.
  • Fins and bulbs are permitted on non-scale boats with no limit on bulb depth.
  • Only one bulb per vessel is permitted, and the model must float at its design waterline.

Radio Controls

The number of R/C functions is not limited.

Rudder

  • The rudder measurements and configuration shall be as follows:
  • Rudder shape for scale models shall conform to the original vessel, but the area may be increased to improve maneuverability. The general shape of the rudder should be retained.
  • Rudders for non-scale models may be modified in size, shape and location to improve maneuverability.

Mast

The mast configuration must include at least two masts.

Sails

  • Sails may be constructed as either a single or multi-panel sail.
  • Sails may be made out of modern fabrics to enhance the performance of the boat.
  • Mylar or other modern plastic-like materials are not allowed.
  • Sail numbers should be at least 3 inches in height.

Rigging

  • Masts and their support structures may be of modern materials, but appearance must be considered.
  • Reefing is permitted.
  • Additions such as boom vangs and preventers may be used for sailing.

Auxiliary Power

Yachts with auxiliary power shall render such power inoperable when racing.

Scoring/Compliance

Scale and non-scale boats will be scored separately.

A further division of boats will be made by size: less than or equal to 50 in and over 50 in. This length is defined as the overall length of the boat, excluding bowsprit or booms. Thus, there may be multiple scoring categories at regattas as determined by the local race committee. They would be based on registrations:

  • Scale less than or equal to 50 in.
  • Scale over 50 in.
  • Non-scale less than or equal to 50 in.
  • Non-scale over 50 in.
  • Other categories as determined by the local race committee

The race committee of an event will determine compliance with the rules.