Maggie's Farm

No, no, BD! These boats are about 24 meters long. "12 Metres" is the result of a mathematical formula!

"In 1958, after a twenty-one year halt of America's Cup competition, racing continued with a new class of racers, the 12 Metre Class. These 60 to 70 foot sloops were smaller in size, easier to crew, and more manageable on a race course than the previous 135 foot America's Cup racing class, J boats. However, the 12 Metre class, like the J boats, were designed based on a formula. This meant that 12 Metre Class yachts could vary in sail area, length, and other speed production aspects. The following is the mathematical formula by which all 12 Metre yachts are measured.

(L+?(Sa)+2D-F)/2.37

"This formula inputs speed producing factors (length (L), sail area (Sa), freeboard (F), and a girth measurement (2D)) through a simple mathematical formula. In order for a yacht to be a Twelve Metre the results of this formula must not exceed 12 Metres. To limit the likelihood that one 12 Metre design would be vastly superior than another and promote fair and competitive racing there are other restrictions on design measurements of 12 Metre racing yachts. Maximum and minimum parameters on mast height, draft, beam and headsail height are applied to 12 Metre racing yachts to ensure that there is not too much diversity among boats.

"Twelve Metre yachts are quite possibly the most fascinating racing sailboats ever built. They have a beauty and size that, along with their America's Cup history, has attracted and intrigued yachtsmen since their debut."

See http://www.classic12metercharters.com/history.asp