Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
The Norlin Mark III
and
International 2.4mR Racing Sailboats -
What are they??
-- A
sailor's
great equalizer!!
-- A Boat for Every One!!
These tactical, technical, fast, single handed, lead ballasted
keel sloops are part of an elite class of meter boats. They are exciting to
sail, very competitive to race, and offer loads of FUN. They are sailed equally
by many water sports enthusiasts regardless of age, gender and physical ability.
Each sailor competes on the same level playing field - more than ever previously
available.
The Norlin Mark III 2.4mR is 13 feet 8 inches long. It is easily handled, trailered, launched and stored. They are designed for competitive sailing, falling under broad technical and class administration of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and the International 2.4mR Class Association. The class has been recognized by the ISAF (formerly the IYRU) since 1993.
Because these boats do not require excessive strength and hiking is not required (nor permitted), a very broad spectrum of sailors sail competitively. In fact, the 1995 and 1996 2.4mR World Champions were together at the 1996 ISAF meeting in the UK. One is able bodied and the other uses a wheelchair. This shows that sailing ability is the key to winning in this boat, rather than physical ability. With a Norlin Mark III, a sailor’s personal dedication and determination to compete can overcome obstacles inherent in other sailboat designs.
1. Question - How long is a 2.4mR boat? Is
it 2.4 meters long?
Answer - A 2.4mR boat is approximately 13’ 8" long. The 2.4
designation refers to the class and measurement rule to which it is designed
and built. Not its length.
2. Q - How much does a 2.4mR boat weigh?
A - It weighs about 550 pounds, including 400 pounds of removable lead ballast.
It is light enough to trailer behind a small vehicle. With the ballast removed
it can even be car topped. The hull weighs about 150 pounds and can be lifted
by two people.
3. Q - How many are required for the crew
of a 2.4mR boat?
A - One! The 2.4mR class boat is single-handed. The entire boat can be made
ready for sailing in less than 30 minutes by one person, including stepping
the mast. No more hassles of finding a crew for racing - you are it!
4. Q - Where can I see a 2.4mR boat?
A - There are a number of active fleets in the United States including:
St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL; Stamford, CT, Bangor,
ME, East Harbor, ME, Mooresville, NC, and the Toledo, OH area. Fleet activity is steadily increasing. Any 2.4mR
owner will be proud to demonstrate the boat and explain the benefits of ownership
and joining in the local 2.4mR fun. An active race schedule is planned for
2001 and 2002. Call for additional information.
5. Q - How many boats are in the fleet?
A - The US fleet has approximately 40 boats and the world fleet is in excess
of 600. It is not uncommon to see of 25 or more at regatta starting lines in
Europe. Nearly 100 registered at the 1999 World Championships in Marstrand,
Sweden, and almost 70 registered for the 2000 World Championships in Melbourne,
Australia.
6. Q - What is the price of a 2.4mR boat?
A - Purchase price of a new boat is approximately $8,000.00. Specific quotes
are available upon request. Used boat prices vary around $4,000 to 5,000.00
based on their age, equipment and condition. Click
here for prices of options.
7. Q - Where can I buy a 2.4mR boat?
A - Gavia Yachts East is the exclusive builder and seller in the Americas.
Located in Rye, NY, and Stamford, CT, we can be reached toll free at +1.888.24
METER or direct dial at +1.203.327.7414, by fax at +1.203.327.3193, or by e-mail
for sales and information.
Used boats are available through private owners and the US 2.4mR Class Association. Contact John Kruger,US 2.4mR Class President, by telephone at +1. 973.746.9717, or e-mail , or David Schroeder, US 2.4mR Class Secretary, at 1.305.598.2329 or e-mail .
8. Q - I am a sailor, 60 years old, weigh
over 200 pounds and I am not as mobile as I once was! Can I really compete in
the 2.4mR class?
A - Absolutely! The 2.4mR boat is suited to your description and capabilities.
By design, weight is not a factor in winning or losing and you can compete with
and challenge the experts. One contestant in a recent North American Championship
was over 75 years young, with others over the age of 60. Age, size and physical
condition are not the standards for successful and enjoyable sailing and racing
in a 2.4mR boat. It is suitable for all age and skill levels and is actively
raced by people with many forms of physical limitations. It is a boat you can
continue to grow into.
9. Q - Can a beginning sailor handle a 2.4mR
boat?
A - The boat is a great training tool for beginners. Interactions with the
elements (wind, water and sails) is readily apparent in this fully ballasted,
high tech racer.
10. Q - What can I learn from sailing a Norlin
Mark III?
A - Many people believe that there is nothing that cannot be learned or
improved upon by sailing a Norlin Mark III. Since you are the skipper, the tactician
and the crew, every decision is yours to make, and yours to execute. If you
make a mistake - you know instantly as the boat reacts to your action. When
you do the right thing - the reward is an instantaneous positive reaction. And
possibly winning the race or regatta. Each time you sail you will learn something
new or improve on an already established skill.
11. Q - Is the 2.4mR boat FAST?
A - Speed in a displacement sailboat is determined by length, type, and
wind velocity. The design of the 2.4mR boat produces a long water line in proportion
to its overall length. This in turn allows for higher "speed" potential. As
the boat is technically advanced in design, construction and rig, finding and
improving upon the ultimate "speed" of the individuals boat is what it is all
about. As we tell all sailors new to the Class, with your eyes and ears so near
to the water - "you have no idea how slow you are going".
12. Q - Will the boat sink if it is swamped?
A - The boat is designed to have positive flotation when filled with water.
The flotation of each boat is inspected and observed when the vessel is originally
measured. It is, however, the responsibility of each owner to insure that their
boat has the proper flotation. Each boat is equipped from the factory with a
manual bilge pump. An optional electric bilge pump is also available.
13. Q - How wet is the 2.4mR when sailed?
A - The answer to this question becomes another question - How aggressively
do you sail? The more aggressive you are while sailing or racing, the wetter
the ride becomes. However, the built-in bilge pump easily eliminates any excess
water.
14. Q - The 2.4mR boat looks delicate! Will
it withstand hard use?
A - The boat is well designed and solidly built of reinforced fiberglass
and should not be considered delicate. But, as with any type of boat, docks
and seawalls are stronger and can inflict damage. Normal care must be exercised
whenever a boat is operated. The boat is designed to be actively sailed and
raced. When provided with reasonable care and maintenance, it should provide
an investment for many fun filled years of racing and sailing.
15. Q - Must I belong to a sailing or yacht
club to race in the class?
A - NO! The class is not associated with any sailing or yacht club and is
open to all people interested in the goals of the class, either as a participating
(owner) or an associate (non-owner), or temporary member (single race
participant). Yearly dues are collected by the
Class Association and are currently a modest $75.00, $50.00, or $25.00. To continue the
promotion of United States sailing it is suggested that each Class member also
become a member of US Sailing, the United States coordinating group of sail
boat racing.
16. Q - What level of competition can I expect
in the 2.4mR Class?
A - The class has drawn sailors form all age groups and skill levels ranging
from America’s participants to novices. The Class is very competitive and the
2.4mR boat is an excellent platform for ANYONE to improve their sailing and
racing skills through close "One Design" competition in a technically advanced,
ballasted, single handed keel boat. Most regatta’s have different participants
who may are men and women, youth and senior, skilled and learning, World and
National Class sailors. REMEMBER - the only crew to blame is yourself in a 2.4mR
boat.
17. Q - Can the boat be launched from a ramp?
A - Yes - With a suitable submersible trailer or dolly and good launching
surface the boat can be launched and retrieved. When traveling to regatta’s
the boat is simple to trailer behind almost any type of vehicle. It is also
simple to rig and launch. Your enjoyment remains with sailing, not preparation.
18. Q - What types of sails are required?
A - The Class calls for only a main and jib. Even thought the boat will
support a spinnaker, sanctioned Class racing does not allow its use. The International
Class is now experimenting with a 95% jib to replace the 110% currently specified.
Evaluations will continue through the current racing season. Many sail-makers
have produced effective racing sails. The choice of a sail-maker should include
their ability to relate to your needs and specific requirements and their recommendations
to achieve maximum performance for your boat.
Contact us for additional information:
Gavia Yachts
- 24 hours a day
.
+1 888 24 METER - 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM -Eastern time