The history of the National Twelve Class

In 1935 the only dinghy raced on a national basis was the expensive International 14, so to encourage dinghy sailing the RYA published the rules for a simpler and cheaper boat - the National 12. The original rules were simple:

• Hulls must not exceed 12 feet in length
• Hulls must not weigh less than 190 lbs (including floorboards!)
• Hulls must be of clinker construction
• Dinghies to carry no more than 90 square feet of sail.
• Boats must cost less than £45 (inflation!)

These rules have been subtly modified over the years to take advantage of cheaper non-clinker construction methods and modern materials.

N1 "Gipsy" was designed by Uffa Fox and launched at Cowes in April 1936. The Twelve proved extremely popular and by the first championships in September of that year over 150 boats had been built. Gipsy has now accepted honourable retirement at Exeter Maritime Museum as a landmark in dinghy sailing history.

From 1936 to the present day the class has continued to develop. Rule changes have been made where necessary, for example, a minimum width rule was introduced in 1937, and a maximum width in 1980. Clinker construction went out in 1970 with the development of GRP hulls and 'four plank' wooden construction. 

Ian Proctor started experimenting with metal masts to replace wooden spars in 1952 and terylene sails arrived in 1954. The minimum weight was reduced to 80kg in the 1980s. 

A further reduction in late 1990s and a recent reduction in 2000 brought the minimum weight down to the currently 78kg (this includes mast & centre board), reflecting the ability of even amateur builders to build lightweight hulls..

Downloads
Introduction pack
Starters guide
Membership forms
Technique guide
Tuning guide
Amateur Building
Class rules

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