7 Metre
International Rule construction class used in two Olympics.
The International Seven Metre Class is a construction class under the International Rule, meaning boats are designed to meet a specific measurement formula rather than being identical. The '7' in the class name refers to the product of the formula, not the boat's length; 7 m boats average about 13 meters long. At their peak, Metre Classes were the most important group of international yacht racing classes, and they remain actively raced worldwide.
- field
- Yacht racing
- class_type
- Construction class (International Rule)
- olympic_use
- 1908 and 1920 Olympics
- total_built
- About 200 boats
- rule_periods
- 1907 rule (1907–1917); 1919 rule (1920–1933)
Quick Facts
- Crew
- 4
- Loa
- 13 m
- Lwl
- 8.5 m
- Beam
- 2.2 m
- Draft
- 1.9 m
- Hull Weight
- 7500 kg
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The 7 Metre class was established under the International Rule, which was set up in 1907 to replace earlier, simpler handicap systems that were often local or national and produced extreme, lightly constructed boats. The rule changed several times; the 1907 rule was used from 1907 to 1917, and the 1919 rule from 1920 to 1933. The class was used as an Olympic class during the 1908 and 1920 Olympics.
Reader's Guide
The 7 Metre class represents a key development in yacht racing history, as part of the International Rule that standardized competition across nations. The class's measurement formula—which includes waterline length, beam, girth, sail area, and freeboard—produced boats that were more practical and seaworthy than earlier extreme designs. Although only about 200 boats were ever built, the class's Olympic appearances in 1908 and 1920 highlight its significance. The class remains actively raced today, a testament to the enduring appeal of the International Rule. The confusing naming convention—where '7' does not indicate length but a formula result—underscores the technical nature of the class.
Did You Know?
- The '7' in the class name refers to the product of the measurement formula, not the boat's length; 7 m boats average about 13 meters long.
- The 7 Metre was used as an Olympic class during the 1908 and 1920 Olympics.
- About 200 boats of the 7 Metre class were ever built.
- The International Rule was set up in 1907 to replace earlier, simpler handicap systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the '7' in 7 Metre actually refer to?
The number does not describe the boat's physical length. It is the result of a measurement formula under the International Rule, and the actual hulls average around 13 metres long.
In which Olympic Games was the 7 Metre class raced?
The class appeared at the 1908 London Olympics and again at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, making it a two-Olympiad construction class.
How many 7 Metre boats were ever built?
Roughly 200 hulls were constructed across the class's two rule periods, the 1907 formula (1907–1917) and the 1919 formula (1920–1933).
What makes the 7 Metre a 'construction class' rather than a one-design class?
Instead of every boat being an identical copy, each hull must simply satisfy the International Rule measurement formula, so designers could vary their shapes while still scoring the same '7' rating.
Is the 7 Metre class still active today?
Yes. Although its Olympic window closed after 1920, the class continues to be sailed in regattas around the world and remains part of the broader family of Metre Classes that once dominated international yacht racing.
More in Olympic sailing classes 1-24
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