2.4mR class for the Paralympic Games

by Australian Yachting Federation on 9 Oct 2000 The 2.4 Metre originated from Stockholm in 1983 by local yacht designers who used the "R Metre" rule to create a single-handed Keelboat, 2.4mR. It is a thoroughbred racer that has the complexity of a sophisticated keelboat,without the high costs, and the fingertip feeling of a dinghy. As a sister to the bigger 6m, 8m and 12m yachts, she possesses the typical powerful Metre boat sailing style.

This single-handed boat has been used by sailors of all ages and abilities since the mid-80's. Although predominantly in Europe it is now built in North America and Australia.

Owing to it's design, where the sailor sits facing forward and all controls are led back to the cockpit,
it was soon realised that the boat was particularly suitable for use by disabled sailors. At the same
time it attracts top class able-bodied helmsmen.

The boat was demonstrated during the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona and it was hoped that a single-handed class would be accepted for the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta. However, owing to restrictions in the overall numbers of athletes in the Atlanta Games, this did not occur.

Initially, only three-person crew boats were to be included in the Sydney Paralympics but the authorities were eventually persuaded by the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing in conjunction with the International 2.4mR Class Association to include a single handed class.

The primary reason for this was that the 2.4 could be sailed competitively by almost anyone, irrespective of their disability. Where as crew boats (Sonars) effectively exclude some people with severe disabilities owing to the size of the boat and the physical requirements needed to sail them.

Designer : Sweden, 1983

Length Overall : 4.182m

Length at Waterline : 2.978m

Beam : 0.72m

Draft 1.00m

Displacement : 255kg

Construction : GRP

Fitttings : Aluminium

Sail Area : 6.965m2

Crew : 1

Australia's 2.4mR Class Representative for the 2000 Paralympic Games is Peter Thompson.