Rob Mazza: "The International Rule"

Rob continued his series of talks for the Shellbacks Club, this time speaking on the International Rule (the rule governing design of the "Metre" boats -- 5.5 Metre, 6 Metre, 8 Metre, 12 Metre, and so on).

His description of the earlier design rule history (the Seawanhaka Rule, Girth Rule, and Universal Rule) made clear how these rules each created an "ideal" boat that in many cases led to the unfortunate consequence of boats that were less than ideal sailing vessels.

Rob also made interesting connections to the politics of racing, especially between Britain and the United States, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, eventually leading to the modern designs of 8 metres, still used today as in the Canada's Cup.

Having this talk in the Model Room of the RCYC made history come alive as half-hulls of these boats of history -- some still sailing -- could be seen on the walls surrounding us as we listened and had lunch.