Rainbow
Australian Dinghy Centreboard
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About: Over a series of races the Rainbow has proven itself to be one of the fastest twelve footers afloat, and actually the Rainbow will attain a faster maximum speed than any other twelve footer. This amazing speed is reached in approximately a 20-knot wind on a three quarter run with spinnaker set and crew on the trapeze. At this point of sailing Rainbows have often been known to pace it with larger classes.
History: Perth Yachtsman R.J. Hill really started something in 1940 when he designed and built a 12 foot skimmer hull, developed from the American Moth class. He called the new craft 'Iona' and surprised everyone by easily defeating the champion twelve footers of Perth.Iona's performance impressed local yachtsman, who promtptly obtained plans from Hill and embarked on a building programme, which gave birth to the Rainbow class.
Today* twenty clubs throughout Australia sponsor the Rainbow, and since 1955, National championships have been held, a team of six boats from each state competing during the first week of January. Each team must contain at least one junior representitive (under 18 years on 1st October). Both junior and senior titles are decided over five heats using the Olympic points system.
*from National Rainbow Manual 'History in Brief' introduction, published late 1960's.
Specifications:
| Hull | plywood (3/16" marine ply minimum) construction popular with owner builders. |
| weight | not less than 110lbs. (approx. 50 kg) |
| length | 12' |
| beam | 3'10 1/2" |
| max depth | 14 3/4" |
| Mast | Height above deck not to exceed 17' |
| Sails | |
| main | 65 sq. ft. |
| jib | 25 sq. ft. |
| spinnaker | 75 sq. ft. |
Websites: None known
Sailed at:
Affiliated clubs (according to 1960's Class Manual)
VICTORIA
Mordialloc Sailing Club
Frankston Yacht Club
Mildura Sailing Club
Parkdale Sailing Club
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club
Glenelg Sailing Club
Grange Sailing Club
Kangaroo Island Yacht Club
Largs Bay Sailing Club
Port Adelaide Sailing Club
Port Lincoln Yacht Club
Royal Port Pirie Yacht Club
NEW SOUTH WALES
Broken Hill Sailing Club
QUEENSLAND
Cairns Sailing Club
TASMANIA
Burnie Yacht Club
Kingston Beach Sailing Club
Lindisfarne Sailing Club
Leven Sailing Club
Montrose Sailing Club
Sandy Bay Sailing Club
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