Detroit Model Yacht Club

At the Local Level –

The Marblehead class is the oldest class still being raced in the Detroit Model Yacht Club. When the DMYC was formed in 1979 the Marblehead was one of the first classes of yacht adopted by the club. The class was very strong until the mid 1990's. In 1995 the DMYC hosted the Marblehead Nationals. During that event it became apparent that the DMYC boats were not competitive.

Wick Smith approached the class members with a proposal to improve our boats in order to compete nationally. His proposal was rejected by the fleet. As a counter proposal, Smith suggested that we adopt more of a One Design philosophy. The DMYC M fleet truly only wanted the class for local racing. Most skippers at that time would bring three or four rigs to the pond and then decide which one to use depending on the wind. The problem with this is the increase cost of maintaining multiple rigs and the time it takes to change from one to the other when the wind changes.

Smith proposed to the DMYC that a One Design Rig or "ODR" be developed for local racing and to restrict the boats to two channels. The ODR sail plan would be a class legal B-Rig set on an aluminum mast. The hull, keel and rudder would remain open and in accordance with the national class rule. The members of the fleet all agreed and in 1998 the ODR and channel restriction was officially adopted for local racing. By adopting the ODR it helped keep the cost of ownership down while maintaining good competition in the class. Some contend that the ODR saved the M class within the DMYC. In 2009 an ODR C-Rig was adopted as well by members of the fleet to help expand the wind range in which the M could sail. Today, the class remains strong with nearly 20 boats registered in the club.

If you are looking for good competition and fun times with others who have a passion for sailing, then look to the DMYC “ODR” M Class. It has plenty to offer.

DMYC Marblehead Class – Boat Characteristics:
LOA: 50 inches (1270 mm)
Beam: 6.0-7.5 inches (15-19 mm)
Draft: 21-24 inches (533 - 605 mm)
Displacement: 9.0 - 9.8 pounds (4.1-4.5 Kg)
Sail Area: 800 sq. inches (51.6 sq. dm)
Mast Height: 72 inches (1829 mm)