# 7 Metre

Boat Class symbol 4 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) 7,500 kg (16,500 lb) 13 m (43 ft) 8.5 m (28 ft) 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in)

The International Seven Metre Class is a construction class, meaning that the boats are not identical but are all designed to meet specific measurement formula, in this case International Rule. At their heyday, Metre Classes were the most important group of international yacht racing classes, and they are still actively raced around the world. "Seven" in class name does not, somewhat confusingly, refer to length of the boat, but product of the formula; 7mR boats are, on average, 13 meters long.

## History

The 7mR was used as an Olympic Class during the 1908 and 1920 Olympics. The International Rule was set up in 1907 to replace earlier, simpler handicap system which were often local or at best, national, and often also fairly simple, producing extreme boats which were fast but lightly constructed and impractical. The rule changes several times in history. About 200 boats were ever built.

## Rule development

### 1907 Rule

Used from 1907–31.12.1917

${\displaystyle 7.000{\mbox{ metres}}={\frac {L+B+1/3G+3d+1/3{\sqrt {S}}-F}{2}}}$

where

• ${\displaystyle L}$ = waterline length (LWL)
• ${\displaystyle B}$ = beam
• ${\displaystyle G}$ = chain girth
• ${\displaystyle d}$ = difference between girth and chain
• ${\displaystyle S}$ = sail area
• ${\displaystyle F}$ = freeboard

### 1919 Rule

Used from 1920–1933.

${\displaystyle 7.000{\mbox{ metres}}={\frac {L+0.25G+2d+{\sqrt {S}}-F}{2.5}}}$

where

• ${\displaystyle L}$ = waterline length (LWL)
• ${\displaystyle G}$ = chain girth
• ${\displaystyle d}$ = difference between girth and chain
• ${\displaystyle S}$ = sail area
• ${\displaystyle F}$ = freeboard

## Olympic results

Gamest Gold Silver Bronze
1908 London
details
Great Britain (GBR)
Charles Rivett-Carnac
Norman Bingley
Richard Dixon
Frances Rivett-Carnac
The second competitor failed to make it to the start. No further competition
1920 Antwerp
details
Great Britain (GBR)
Cyril Wright
Robert Coleman