8 Metre
Prestigious racing yachts designed under the International Rule since 1906.
The International Eight Metre class (often called 'Eights' or 8mR) is a construction class of racing yachts designed under the International Rule established in 1906. The class name refers not to the boat's length but to the product of a measurement formula; 8mR boats average about 15 metres in length. Before World War II, Eights were the most prestigious international yacht racing class, and they continue to be raced worldwide.
- established
- 1906
- total_built
- approximately 500 (1906–2008)
Lore & Background
The International Rule was created in 1906 to replace earlier, simpler handicap systems that often produced extreme, lightly constructed boats. The Eight Metre class was the medium-size rating under this rule and was chosen as an Olympic class for the 1908 Summer Olympics, remaining in the Olympics until 1936. Up to 1914, 8 metre yachts were traditionally gaff-rigged, but the yacht Morna (later renamed Ierne) was the first to be converted to Bermuda rig, while Senga was the first built with Bermuda rig from the start, marking a shift that became more popular for its cruising convenience.
Reader's Guide
The Eight Metre class holds a significant place in yachting history as the premier international racing class before World War II. Its construction-class nature allowed for design innovation within a formula, leading to a diverse fleet of boats. After a long break, world championships are now organized in four classes: the World Cup, the Sira Cup (for all classic eights built before 1968), the Neptune Trophy (for classics with original deck plans built before 1970, wooden spars, and Dacron sails), and Vintage eights (gaff-rigged boats built before 1920). The class experienced a revival in the 1980s and continues to thrive, with 25–35 boats participating annually at the 8mR Worlds. Many old yachts have been restored or rebuilt to racing condition, and new boats are still built using contemporary technologies at a rate of 1–3 per year.
Did You Know?
- The 'Eight metre' in the class name does not refer to the boat's length but to the product of the measurement formula; 8mR boats average about 15 metres long.
- Between 1906 and 2008 approximately 500 8mR boats were built, and 177 have survived until today.
- The first 8 metre yacht to use Bermuda rig was Morna (later Ierne), which was converted, while Senga was the first built with Bermuda rig from the start.
- The Eight Metre class was an Olympic class from 1908 until 1936.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called '8 Metre' when the boats are about 15 metres long?
The name comes from a measurement formula in the 1906 International Rule, not from hull length. The '8' is the numerical result of that formula, which is why sailors also call them 'Eights' or 8mR.
When was the International Eight Metre class established?
The class dates back to 1906, when the International Rule set the design parameters for these racing yachts. Roughly 500 boats were built between 1906 and 2008.
How important was the 8 Metre class before World War II?
Eights were the single most prestigious international yacht racing class in the world during that era. They topped the international sailing calendar and were regarded as the pinnacle of competitive yacht racing.
Are 8 Metre boats still raced today?
Yes, the class remains active and is still sailed competitively in various parts of the world. More than a century after its founding, Eights continue to appear on racing circuits.
What kind of class is the 8 Metre — open design or one specific hull?
It is a construction class, meaning boats are built to a shared set of measurement rules rather than to a single identical design. Each yacht is individually built but must conform to the International Rule's parameters.
More in Olympic sailing classes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record