8 METRES HOW TO JOIN THE FLEET
The UK boasts a rich history in the International Rule and in the Eight-Metre Class in particular, with many of the finest yachts and sailors originating from these shores. More recently, the British fleet has enjoyed burgeoning competition driven by enthusiastic owners and a local skills base to rival any abroad. Yet, on the other hand, a number of boats for sale means that new owners are now required to keep the class vibrant. As the Worlds approaches this summer (17-22 August, Enkhuizen, Netherlands), the perfect opportunity arises to view the fleet, and perhaps join the class.
As a former Olympic Class (among many other notable moments in yacht-racing history) the Eights are famed the world over and instantly recognisable, but with fleets few and far between, they are rarely seen in the flesh and often viewed as a little exclusive. Speaking from experience I can say that this perception is far from the truth, and I hope to give some insight into a class where budgets are as varied as the
