Program Details

After each Olympic Games the International Sailing Federation reviews the classes of boats to be used at the past Olympic Games and decides what classes will be used for the next Games.

For the next Olympic Games the 3 women keel boat (the Yngling) fleet racing event was switched to a 3 person women’s match racing event in a new boat – the Elliott 6m.

The new women’s keel boat (Elliott 6m) is a very exciting boat to sail and the close quarters action we have seen on the circuit so far has been outstanding.

One of the most interesting things about this new class is that unlike all other Olympic Classes, the boats in this class are supplied by the regatta organizers so athletes do not bring their own boats to competitions. Each team pays must pay a hefty regatta entry fee to cover the charter of these boats during each regatta. In the sailing world this is quite unusual and given the high cost of these boats (about $50,000 CAD) not many of the women’s teams have purchased boats in which to train. Given that this new women’s Olympic event is a match racing event, it would practically be necessary to buy two boats to get much benefit from owning a boat in which to train between regattas.

Wind Athletes Canada recognized a unique opportunity to assist the Canadian women wishing to complete in this class. In March of 2010 Wind Athletes took delivery of two Elliott 6’s. We will be operating our women’s match racing program out of the RCYC in Toronto. The boats will not travel because at regattas competitors must used the supplied boats.

Wind Athletes Canada is proud to be a part of the Canadian Sailing Team’s women’s match racing program.

Elliott 6m Specifications

Concept

After 14 years of use the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron decided it was time to replace their very successful Youth Training Fleet of Elliott 5.9s.

Greg Elliott designed the new Elliott 6 incorporating all the desirable characteristics of the 5.9 but also including the wish list of Coach, Harold Bennett. Significant improvements on the 5.9 were the open style cockpit so ideally suited to match racing, the fixed keel and the hard stand trailer.

The boats were to be practically built, in a cost effective manner but to a high standard. The Elliott 6 performs well on all points of sail, accelerates quickly and is very easily manoeuvred.

Learn more about the Elliot 6.