The Quarter Ton Class is a type of sailing boat that was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was originally designed to compete in the Quarter Ton Cup, a prestigious international sailing regatta.
The Quarter Ton Class boats are typically around 25 feet (7.6 meters) in length and have a displacement of approximately 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms). They are known for their lightweight construction and relatively small size, which allows for nimble and exciting sailing.
These boats were designed to be affordable and accessible to a wide range of sailors, making them popular among amateur sailors and sailing enthusiasts. The class rules were created to ensure fair competition by limiting certain design aspects, such as sail area and hull shape.
The Quarter Ton Class boats are known for their excellent performance in a variety of conditions, including light winds and heavy seas. They are often praised for their ability to plane, which means they can reach high speeds by riding on top of the water rather than plowing through it.
Over the years, many different boat designs have been used in the Quarter Ton Class, each with its own unique characteristics and performance capabilities. Some notable designers of Quarter Ton Class boats include Bruce Farr, Ron Holland, and Tony Castro.
While the popularity of the Quarter Ton Class has waned in recent years, there is still a dedicated community of sailors who continue to race and enjoy these boats. The Quarter Ton Cup is still held annually, attracting sailors from around the world to compete in this historic and challenging regatta.
