BISMA • British International Six Metre Association

Introduction

Current News

The class has managed to retain the heritage of international class racing in thoroughbred boats that don't have to break the bank. We believe there are some 1,500 6 Metre boats around the world today, and the UK has one of the largest fleets. Early Fife boats built in 1907 are still racing - often against new Moderns. Some classics have been beautifully modified for cruising; several race only occasionally. The class has managed to cover a wide range of sailing need. All have one thing in common: their distinctive sailing silhouette and an adherence to a tried and tested formula. A tribute to the designers and builders. There is no doubt the class generates a passion and devotion driven by the stunning appearance of the boats and their historical significance.

Now 100 years since the first rule was written, metre boats have been at the forefront of yacht development - they were amongst the first boats sailing in the Olympics, right from the 1908 London Olympics until 1968 in Mexico, 6mR were used for the British-American Cup (team racing and an event far more prestigious than the America's Cup in its day), the Seawanhaka Cup (Match racing) through the 1930's. Of the other international rule classes, the 8mR have been first choice boat for most of European Royalty, some of the 23mR were converted to 'J'-class yachts and the 12mR were the boats used to challenge for the Americas Cup for 30 years once racing started again after the war and until a more modern derivative was designed. Hull designs have always been technologically advanced. Wing keels, rod shrouds and the latest in sail composition on the Moderns contrast with the ageless wooden decks and fittings of the Classics. Both classes sail together; often the faster Classics mixing it with the Moderns. There has been a real resurgence of interest with many old boats being restored, new boats being built and some of the mega-stars of the sailing world choosing metre boats for their personal sailing. The International Six Metre Association has members in most European and American sailing centres.

Aims of BISMA

The UK 6mR fleet is largely based in the Solent with another group of boats in the West Country. The programme is devised to provide maximum opportunity to sail together consistent with the ability of the boats to get to each venue by sailing or transport. Many boats have a 7.5ton lorry which is sufficient to move the boats and at each venue launching facilities are organised.

Friends & Crewing

If you have an interest in the class, please register as a 'Friend' mentioning your interest or become an Associate Member to support the class. Regular crew are encouraged to become Associate Members. Owners should contact David Elliott for current list of 'Friends'

	Next Event National Championship Pt 2 Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble 18 - 19 June 2016 see details in programme
	Next Event National Championship Pt 1 Royal Solent Yacht Club, Yarmouth 4 - 5 June 2016 see details in programme
	Spring Update from the Chairman View
	ISMA Spring Meeting Being hosted by BISMA at the Royal Yacht Squadron 9-11 March 2016 If interested to attend contact Tim Russell, ISMA Executive Secretary
	Next Event - Cancelled BISMA Spring Meeting Royal Thames Yacht Club Wednesday 2nd March 2016 see details in programme
	Info re: Europeans See links in "Programme"
	Save a boat for the UK There's a free Modern, GBR 97 Scallywag (ex. US 114 Perspicacious; 1978 Gary Mull) available at Cowes, Isle of Wight. Contact craig@medinayard.co.uk See Matt Cockburn's post
	Wind Forecast added to Resources section
	Next event BISMA AGM Royal Southern Yacht Club 15th November 2015 10:30 followed by lunch 13:30
	Next event Charles Stanley Cowes Classics Week Royal London YC 20th-24th July 2015
	Next event British Open 6mR Championships Royal Southern Yacht Club June 20th - 21st and July 4th - 5th Shortly followed by Cowes Classics Week see Programme
	2015 Worlds 29 May - 5 June reports on event web site see Programme
	New ISMA web site See in "Links"
	2015 Subscriptions Due Please keep your subs up-to-date and anyone with an interest in the class - please consider associate membership - thanks. See here
For earlier news - see NEWS menu