The First Rule Cup (8 Metre Class)
The First Rule Cup is a prestigious trophy within the International 8 Metre (8mR) Class, awarded specifically to yachts built to the First International Rule (pre-1920) or those racing with a gaff rig. Established in 1998, the cup was donated by the Lake Constance 8-Metre Association to celebrate and promote the continued racing of these early classic yachts.
To be eligible for the First Rule Cup, a yacht must hold a valid rating certificate and comply with the measurement rules appropriate to its original design and era. The scoring for this trophy is based on the positions of eligible yachts in the overall fleet results, but calculated separately using a dedicated points system. This ensures fair recognition of these older yachts within the modern competitive field.
The First Rule Cup honors the rich heritage of the 8 Metre Class, which was introduced under the International Rule of 1907—a foundational system that allowed fair competition among diverse yacht designs on an international scale.
Full eligibility criteria and scoring details are outlined in the Deed of Gift for the First Rule Cup.
