The Wheeler Class

Featured in Model Yachting Magazine #131

Wheeler Number 19
Mike Bowen Launching Peter Guilding's Number 19.

Class Secretary

George Ribeiro
360 Fiesta Way
Watsonville CA 95076-8569
(831) 763-2052

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Description

The Wheeler is a high performance replica of a Maxi Ocean Racer, and, in the words of Gordon Stout, who has won national championships in several AMYA classes, "It is as close to sailing a real boat as you can get with a model sailboat." The Wheeler is a big boat, with an overall length of 79", a waterline length of 63", a beam of 15", and design displacement of 30 pounds. The Wheeler carries 2,000 sq in of sail, which allows it to plane when the winds are up.

AMYA Class Rules
(Revised 3/21/06)

1.0 GENERAL:
1.1 The objective of the Wheeler class is to provide advanced high performance sailing and competitive one design racing that is strict in its hull configuration, while allowing the skipper some latitude in the rigging of the yacht.

1.2 The class shall consist of Wheeler One Design Yachts produced in kit form with plans and specifications in these class rules by the original or Licensed manufacturer.

1.2.1 Interpretation of specifications - At all times the basic principal of these rules together with the construction plans is to maintain the Wheeler as a one-design class.

2.0 STANDARDS:
2.1 The plans and specifications as supplied in the kit shall be considered as setting forth the official standards with respect to hull, spars, ballast etc. related to the complete configuration of the yacht. Construction of a Wheeler from these plans and specifications using the hull and other materials supplied by the manufacturer shall constitute compliance with these standards.

3.0 HULL:
3.1 Shape and profile to conform to the Wheeler master mold.

3.1.1

Length overall:79" 
Beam:15" 
Length at Water Line:63.19" 

4.0 DECK:
4.1 The deck, Hatch system and overall appearance may not be changed except for painting , necessary emergency repairs and changes made by the licensed manufacturer to improve the boat. Placement or type of hardware on the deck is optional.

5.0 KEEL/BULB:
5.1 Must conform to the control drawing.

6.0 RUDDER:
6.1 No larger than the profile shown on the control drawing and no smaller than 1/8" in any direction. The stock rudder provided with the kit if prepared according to the instructions will easily meet these requirements. Thickness of the rudder foil and shape shall not be modified from stock.

6.1.1 Location of rudder must conform to the control drawing.

7.0 MAST:
7.1 Length shall not exceed 87 ½" (Including Mast Crane), Measured from the deck.

7.2 Mast Step shall not elevate mast more than ¾" above deck.

7.3 Material shall be Optional, no larger than ¾" or smaller than ¼" in any dimension.

7.4 Standing rigging and placement is optional. (Refer to control drawing for recommendations)

7.5 Mast must be non-rotating.

8.0 MAIN BOOM & JIB CLUB & VANG:
8.1 Material is optional, not to exceed one inch with the minimum of ¼" in the cross section.

8.2 Length is optional. (Refer to control drawing for recommendations)

8.3 Both Main Boom & Jib Club must be straight with no curvature built in.

8.4 The Vang may lift up or pull down the boom or club but must be positioned below the boom or club.

9.0 SAILS:
9.1 Shall only be constructed of polyester material, Mylar or Trispy.

9.1.1 Corner reinforcing shall be no more than five layers of a polyester material, Mylar or Trispy.

9.2 Measurements & Configuration shall be in accordance with the Sail Plan.

10.0 R/C EQUIPMENT:
10.1 Remote control equipment is unlimited.

11.0 DISPLACEMENT:
11.1 30 Lb., Minimum, complete sailing Weight

12.0 CERTIFICATION:
12.1 Upon completion of the yacht, prior to racing, the Fleet Captain or Class Measurer will certify and issue a Wheeler One-Design Certificate.

12.1.1 The certificate will remain valid until the Yacht changes ownership or sails, addition or deletion of weight or anything that may effect the current certificate.

13.0 LICENSING OF MANUFACTURE:
13.1 For a Wheeler to be eligible to compete, a licensed builder must manufacture hull, deck, rudder and keel. The hull must have the class logo and hull number resined into the hull.

14.0 ADVERTISING ON SAILS, BOOM, HULL
14.1 Advertising Logos may be placed on the sails, boom or hull. Logos may not be larger one inch in height

Wheeler Control Drawing
Wheeler Sail Plan