Featured in Model Yachting #114, #150, #177, #196

Class Secretary
Fred Rocha

Email Class Secretary

Links

Official USA Website: http://iomusa.org
JWB’s USA Website: http://www.ibextrax.com
IOM International Class Assoc. (IOM ICA): https://www.iomclass.org
International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA): https://www.radiosailing.org
USA Hall of Fame: http://iomusa.org/trophy-case/
IOM at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Metre
Download Class Rules
​History of Class Rules
Class Site

Description

IOM rules specify a monohull of max length 1000 mm (39.28”), with max draft 420 mm (16.53”). Minimum weight is 4000 g (8.82 lbs). The rule allows three one-design rigs, and the tallest mast is about 1676 mm (5’-6”) above the deck measurement point. 
 
The versatile International One Metre (IOM) is one of the most popular class in the radio sailing world, and many USA sailors enjoy regular travel for competition. Others prefer local sailing, and local fleets are the class backbone. USA’s annual Nationals began in 1998. The class formed in the late 1980s, specifying three (3) one-design rigs with the hull/foils controlled by box rule. This format encourages evolution and created our highly refined fleet of today, where creative skippers continue to test new ideas. We race in the lightest breeze up to very strong winds and waves, where we need our smallest rig up to 35-40 knots. The hull weight limit allows amateur designers/builders to carefully create competitive IOMs and test their mettle against the best commercially available. Besides our plethora of purchase options, we have a recent global boom in home-built woody hulls now too. While the most skilled skippers usually win the regatta, no single design dominates our World Championships on even years.

​Getting Started
You can purchase IOMs new, used, or build your own to the class rule with hulls in fiberglass or wood. The typical recommendation is to find your local fleet first, and with their help get a good used boat. If you have the resources, buy a new boat from our many builders around the world. New boats usually come with assembly instructions and tips plus sail tuning guides. Also look to the manufacturer for support, whether you have a new or used IOM. You will find the IOM fleet welcoming and helpful. You will also find lots of IOM information on the web beyond the links suggested above. The AMYA offers supplier web links also.