The International
Eight Metre Association
The International Eight Metre Association (the IEMA) exists to promote international interest in the Class, the building, restoring and sailing of 8 Metre Yachts. The IEMA is governed by the executive committee, which controls and manages the affairs of the eight metre class.
About IEMA
The International Eight Metre Association fosters camaraderie through racing Eight Metre Yachts and celebrates the elegance of the Eights in a competitive spirit.
8 Metre Yachts
This goes for the classics as well as for the modern yachts. The International Rule, by which the 8mR class is governed, also covers many other classes, like the very active 6mR Class and the 12 Metre Class, which was used for a long time in the America’s cup. This lead to fantastic innovations and developments, which are also used in the 8 and 6 Metre yachts.
The Beauty of the 8
The regattas are a Concours d’Elegance, where spectators come and try to fathom the beauty of the designs and the differences and strong points of each yacht. All yachts race on the same course and start and finish on the same line. Even with a time spanning more than a 100 years in design development, nothing has altered in the competitiveness or beauty of these yachts.
IEMA and the World Cup
There are highly active fleets in regions such as the UK, North America, Norway, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Germany. These fleets host race series that culminate in crowning a national champion. Additionally, any fleet can apply to organize the Eight Metre World Cup, welcoming all eligible yachts to compete for the prestigious title.
A Legacy of 8 Metre Yachts
For over a century, Metre yachts have set the standard for exceptional design and craftsmanship. These yachts have a rich history and continue to inspire a dedicated community of sailors.
History
The International Eight Metre Association (IEMA) is a global organisation dedicated to promoting the Class, building, and sailing of 8 Metre Yachts.
Birth of the International Rule
The International Rule, developed by the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU), is established to create standardized classes of racing yachts. The Eight Metre class (8mR) is one of the key categories created under this rule.
First Eight Metre yachts launched
The first Eight Metre yachts are designed and launched under the International Rule. These yachts quickly gain popularity due to their elegant design and competitive racing characteristics.
Eight Metre Yachts in the Olympic Games
The 8mR class is featured in five Olympic Games: 1908 (London), 1912 (Stockholm), 1920 (Antwerp), 1924 (Paris), and 1936 (Berlin). These events contribute significantly to the class's global recognition.
Rise in Popularity
Post World War I, the Eight Metre class sees a resurgence in popularity as yacht racing becomes a fashionable pastime. Many notable designers, such as William Fife and Charles Nicholson, contribute to the evolution of the class by designing iconic yachts.
Technological Advancements
The 1930s witness significant advancements in yacht design, and 8mR yachts become more sophisticated. This era sees some of the most beautiful classic Eight Metre yachts ever built.
Last Appearance at the Olympics
The Berlin Olympics mark the final appearance of the 8mR class in the Olympic Games. Afterward, other classes, like the 12 Metre, gain more prominence in international sailing events.
Decline and Survival
After World War II, the demand for Eight Metre yachts declines as newer, faster yacht classes emerge. Despite this, a dedicated group of sailors continues to race and maintain the yachts.
Formation of the International Eight Metre Association (IEMA)
The International Eight Metre Association (IEMA) is founded to preserve the heritage of the 8mR class and promote racing among the remaining fleet. The association works to restore older yachts and ensure the survival of the class.
Revival of Classic Yachting
During the late 20th century, a renewed interest in classic yachts leads to a resurgence in the popularity of the Eight Metre class. The IEMA takes a leading role in organizing international regattas and events to celebrate these historic yachts.
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The World Championships Established
IEMA establishes the Eight Metre World Championship, further solidifying the class's status in the international yachting community. These events become a major draw for sailors and enthusiasts of classic yachts.
Preservation and Modernisation
Throughout the 21st century, the IEMA continues to focus on the preservation of classic yachts while embracing modern advancements in materials and design. Many of the oldest 8mR yachts are restored to their former glory, and the class continues to thrive with a mix of old and newly built yachts racing together.
International Regattas and Active Fleet
The Eight Metre class maintains an active racing calendar, including major events like the World Cups and various Classic Yacht Regattas. The fleet includes both vintage and modern 8mR yachts, reflecting over a century of maritime history and design innovation.
The commitee
Committees & Honorary Members of the IEMA
Honorary Life Members and our Executive and Technical Committees represent the essence of dedication and innovation within the International Eight Metre Association. Together, they shape the class's direction, fostering its legacy and ensuring its continual advancement.
His Majesty The King of Norway Harald V
Our honorary president is unquestionably the most experienced Int. 8-Metre sailor in the world. Eighty years ago, back in 1939, his father King Olaf first took him on board his Int. 8-Metre Sira and so started a life time of deep passion for sailing and the sea. King Harald is a highly accomplished and competitive sailor who competed in three Olympic games (Int,. 5.5 in 1964 and 1968 and Soling in 1972). He won the One Ton Cup twice and won the Sira Cup during the 8-Metre Worlds in 2007. He has raced string of custom design IOR and IMS racing yachts, a Farr 40 and aTP52 which he campaigned around the world. Always racing with a crew of friends, all world class sailors in their own right, all passionately competitive and all enjoy sailing as much as each other’s company. If not on other duties, the Royal Yacht Norge serves as mothership. Norge was built in 1937 as mothership for T.O.M. Sopwiths America’s Cup challenge with Endeavor. She’s lovingly maintained and her aft deck has space for the cradle which Sira is transported. It is an honor to have King Harald racing with us and a privilege to have him as honorary life president of IEMA.
Werner Deuring
Werner is continuing his job and role as president in the executive committee. A fierce competitor at the World Champion who has won the World Cup, Coppa D’Italia, Sira Cup and competed for the Neptune Trophy. He has served on the Excom for some years now and his contributions to the class are many. An extraordinary bright leader and diplomat. When sparks fly he’s the 911 of the class, someone with a canning skill to put down fires before they get out of hand. To my mind he is the chief of the IEMA Fire brigade.
Murdoch McKillop
Murdoch is the executive secretary of IEMA. In preparation of the 2007 centennial celebrations at the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club, Murdoch bought Lafayette with the aim to defend the honor of the home club on the Clyde. The one boat, two year campaign ended up as a 2 boat 14 year addiction. We all knew that would happen, now he knows it too. Murdoch has become a main stay in the class, competing at just about any World Cup on both sides of the pond. He brings in a wealth of experience and expertise. A man with a canning ability to connect and promote, a man who builds bridges, always with his eye on the ball and the bigger picture in sight.
Tom Knutsen
Tom is taking over the role from Seraina as treasurer. He bought the famous red Eight from Peter Wilson, got hooked and set out to grow his fleet in Norway aiming and well underway for 10 boats in Oslo. He’s new to the class, in his own words, an old rookie, but he’s not new to making things happen. However hard he tried, there was no way he could hide his track record in sailing as member of the Olympic Sailing Committee at KNS, secretary of the Melges 24 and much more. A serious racing man with a team to match. A star at connecting people and building bridges.
Rob Roy
Axel Meyer
Axel Meyer has been introduced to sailing at a young age. Being the son of Honorary member Fred Meyer, it is easy to understand where his competitiveness, whitt, keen eye and love for boats come from. Axel is an active member in the Suisse fleet sailing from Geneva and is also a committee member of the 2022 Worldcup, which was held in Geneva.
John Lammerts van Bueren
Well, I started sailing before I was born and 8-Metres in 1989. Back in 1994 I started the 8-Metre Register and over a period of 23 years served as secretary and later president of IEMA. Lucky to have been part of it all, lucky to have raced and cruised moderns, classics, vintage and gaff Eights. I was lucky to work with Fred Meyer from 1998 onwards and witness a magic renaissance of the class. After a 3 year holiday from IEMA, I am currently part off the Technical Committee and I will try to do my bit to help the class racing as one.
Guy-Roland Perrin
Current Class Measurer and candidate for TC and Class measurer. Guy-Roland has been the measurer for the 8-Metres since 1994, and is measurer for the 5.5, 6 and 12-Metre Class. His knowledge of the class is encyclopedic, he is a main stay in the class, no doubt about that.
David Vieira
David is a naval architect and an esteemed yacht historian, specialized in the period from 1900 to 1945. His knowledge on design and construction is unrivalled. He rebuilt his 8-Metre Emily in 1996 which resulted in the founding of Absolute Restorations and a further string of restored and recreated Metre boats. A classic yacht man in heart and soul and an incredible source of information and knowledge on classic 8-Metres.
Davis Lindsay
Ken McAlpine
His Majesty The King of Norway Harald V
Our honorary president is unquestionably the most experienced Int. 8-Metre sailor in the world. Eighty years ago, back in 1939, his father King Olaf first took him on board his Int. 8-Metre Sira and so started a life time of deep passion for sailing and the sea. King Harald is a highly accomplished and competitive sailor who competed in three Olympic games (Int,. 5.5 in 1964 and 1968 and Soling in 1972). He won the One Ton Cup twice and won the Sira Cup during the 8-Metre Worlds in 2007. He has raced string of custom design IOR and IMS racing yachts, a Farr 40 and aTP52 which he campaigned around the world. Always racing with a crew of friends, all world class sailors in their own right, all passionately competitive and all enjoy sailing as much as each other’s company. If not on other duties, the Royal Yacht Norge serves as mothership. Norge was built in 1937 as mothership for T.O.M. Sopwiths America’s Cup challenge with Endeavour. She’s lovingly maintained and her aft deck has space for the cradle which Sira is transported. It is an honour to have King Harald racing with us and a privilege to have him as honorary life president of IEMA.
His Majesty The King of Norway Olav V
In recognition to his outstanding contributions to yacht racing and his participation in 8-Metre Competition over a period extending 45 years, the 1982 General Assembly of the International Eight Metre Association unanimously elected His Majesty King Olav V of Norway as honorary life member of this association. H.M. King Olav passed away on January 17th, 1991.
Eugene van Voorhis
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the International 8-Metre Class over a period extending 40 years the 1999 General Assembly of the International Eight Metre Association unanimously elected Eugene van Voorhis as honorary life member of this association. Some highlights of Eugene’s life with the Eights 1967: Building of Iroquois, the worlds first modern 8-Metre, as a challenger for the Canada’s Cup. 1970: Founding the 8-Metre World Cup and donating this Trophy to the Royal Northern Yacht Club in Rhu, Scotland. Shipping his 8-Metre Iskareen to Scontland to compete in the inaugural 8-Mette World Cup. 1982: World Champion with Iroquois at Visby, Sweden. 1983: World Champion with Iroquois at Hanko, Norway. 1986: The 8-Metre Clas regains IYRU International Status under presidency of Eugene van Voorhis. 1983-1987: President IEMA
Karl Johan Hertell
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the International 8-Metre Class over a period extending 30 years the 2002 General Assembly of the International Eight Metre Association unanimously elected Karl-Johan Hertell as honorary life member of this association Karl Johan (Joni) Hertell as served as president and executive secretary of IEMA for 11 consecutive years and continuously served on the board of IEMA for 21 years. With strong leadership and vision Joni has been at the roots of the revival of the class as we see it today. Some highlights of Joni’s life with the Eights 1972: Entering the 8-Metre Class with Silja 1975: Winner 8-Metre World Cup 1978: Founding member of the International Eight Metre Association 1978-1983: First president and executive secretary of IEMA 1982: 8-Metre Class applies for International status under presidency of Joni Hertell. 1984-1986: Vice President IEMA 1986: Acquires the 8-Metre Iroquois with the Sex Grubbar Syndicate 1987: Executive secretary IEMA 1987-1989: President IEMA 1990-1991: Vice President IEMA 1992-1993: President IEMA World Cup: Joni has participated in the 8-Metre World Cup in 1975-1978-1982-1983-1985-1986-1987-1988-1989-1992-1993-1995 and 2002.
Gaston Schmalz
In recognition of his outstanding commitment and contributions to the International 8-Metre Class over a period extending 40 years the 2005 General Assembly of the International Eight Metre Association unanimously elected Gaston Schmalz as honorary life member of this association. For almost 50 years Gaston has been sailing his beloved 8-Metre France from the port of Cannes. In 1983, with his Gaulois, he initiated a series of 5 modern 8-Metres designed by Jacques Fauroux. He campaigned his yachts on both sides of the Atlantic. Gaulois participated in 7 World Cups, including the 1985 World Cup in Rochester. With France he participated in 5 World Cups, including the 1991 World Cup in Port Credit. In 2002 he launched the first of a new generation modern 8-Metres. His Fleur de Lys was a sensation in Helsinki winning the event in a clean sweep. Fleur de Lys was campaigned in 3 World Cups, including this event at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. Twice World Champion, participation in 15 World Championships. Any day that Gaston is in Cannes you can see him leaving the port at 11:00 for a sail in the bay. He is the true Primus inter Parus among the French 8-Metre Class promoters. Gaston passed away in 2020.
Ced Gyles
Ced has been and, undoubtedly still is the driving force behind the Lake Ontario Fleet. He entered the class back in 1953 with the Fife 8-Metre Concerto and 56 years on he is still highly active racing his Norseman and remains committed with heart and soul to the class. He has introduced countless sailors to our class, young and old and has been discretely backing several syndicates allowing the next generation to join the class. The list of his contributions and achievements in service of the class and the North American fleet goes on and on. Ced has been instrumental and for his contributions to the Eights and the sport of sailing the class will be forever grateful.
National Associations
National Associations within the International Eight Metre Association serve as vital hubs for enthusiasts, organizing local regattas and facilitating participation in international events. Spanning regions like the UK, North America, Norway, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Germany, these associations strengthen the global network of the IEMA, enriching the sport for all participants.
The UK championed the Metre Rule in 1907. The 1920 and 1933 International Rules led to a surge in the 8mR Class, with designers like Fife, Mylne, and Nicholson building many boats still sailing today. In the 1930s, fleets centered on the Solent and the Clyde. The 1970s saw a Clyde revival and the creation of the World Cup, but by the decade's end, most of the fleet dispersed across Europe.
The 2007 Centenary World Cup revived interest in the Solent. BEMA has six boats, with one in the Channel Islands and one being restored on the Clyde. Pre-pandemic, 8mR racing was mainly in the Solent. Post-pandemic, racing hasn't resumed, but the WC2024 on the Clyde is expected to revive it.
Britain
"In Finland the “Eight metre” class is very much alive. With 12 racing boats Finland has one of the biggest fleets of Eights in the world and the HSS Yachtclub holds the worlds biggest fleet of Eights; 9 boats. Many international boats join the Finnish Regatta series of 6-8 regattas every summer. Especially Russian and Swedish eights, but also other nationalities who usually choose the biggest fleet in the world to practise for the Worlds or European Championship. If you are thinking of joining, either with your boat or as a sailor, give a call or send an email to one of the Board members. For interested potential new boat owners a test sailing could be arranged as well."
Finland
France
Germany
Lake Constance
It was 1928 when the North American 8Mr history got underway with the NYYC commissioning 12 Int. Rule 8mR yachts from Europe drawn by the top designers and yards. They took delivery on Long Island Sound. And In 1930 it was the RCYC that selected the 8mR yacht for the revival of the Canada’s Cup match racing series for the championship of the Great Lakes – Canada versus the USA. six 8mR int. Rule yachts were built start this flee and expanded as further Canada’s Cup races were during the 1930’s. Read more on their website: https://na8mr.com/
North America
The 8mR Class in Norway has a history back to 1807 when the Metre rule was instituted in Yacht racing. The level of activity in the Norwegian Class has varied over the years. Before WWII the number of Norwegian 8mR yachts was extensive with designs from Johan Anker, Bjarne Aas and many more. The Sira Cup had a very positive impact on the Norwegian Class, that continued growing in numbers. Several 8mR Neptun and Sira division boats have represented the Norwegian pocket over the years. Today we are a Class of 7 boats racing in the Oslofjord, 1 in Trondheim and 2 in Bergen. The 8mR World Cup has been hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) at Hankö in 2003, 2008 and 2017.
Norway
Portugal
Sweden
Switzerland
The UK championed the Metre Rule in 1907. The 1920 and 1933 International Rules led to a surge in the 8mR Class, with designers like Fife, Mylne, and Nicholson building many boats still sailing today. In the 1930s, fleets centered on the Solent and the Clyde. The 1970s saw a Clyde revival and the creation of the World Cup, but by the decade's end, most of the fleet dispersed across Europe.
The 2007 Centenary World Cup revived interest in the Solent. BEMA has six boats, with one in the Channel Islands and one being restored on the Clyde. Pre-pandemic, 8mR racing was mainly in the Solent. Post-pandemic, racing hasn't resumed, but the WC2024 on the Clyde is expected to revive it.
"In Finland the “Eight metre” class is very much alive. With 12 racing boats Finland has one of the biggest fleets of Eights in the world and the HSS Yachtclub holds the worlds biggest fleet of Eights; 9 boats. Many international boats join the Finnish Regatta series of 6-8 regattas every summer. Especially Russian and Swedish eights, but also other nationalities who usually choose the biggest fleet in the world to practise for the Worlds or European Championship. If you are thinking of joining, either with your boat or as a sailor, give a call or send an email to one of the Board members. For interested potential new boat owners a test sailing could be arranged as well."
AUT / GER / SUI
It was 1928 when the North American 8Mr history got underway with the NYYC commissioning 12 Int. Rule 8mR yachts from Europe drawn by the top designers and yards. They took delivery on Long Island Sound. And In 1930 it was the RCYC that selected the 8mR yacht for the revival of the Canada’s Cup match racing series for the championship of the Great Lakes – Canada versus the USA. six 8mR int. Rule yachts were built start this flee and expanded as further Canada’s Cup races were during the 1930’s. Read more on their website: https://na8mr.com/
The 8mR Class in Norway has a history back to 1807 when the Metre rule was instituted in Yacht racing. The level of activity in the Norwegian Class has varied over the years. Before WWII the number of Norwegian 8mR yachts was extensive with designs from Johan Anker, Bjarne Aas and many more. The Sira Cup had a very positive impact on the Norwegian Class, that continued growing in numbers. Several 8mR Neptun and Sira division boats have represented the Norwegian pocket over the years. Today we are a Class of 7 boats racing in the Oslofjord, 1 in Trondheim and 2 in Bergen. The 8mR World Cup has been hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) at Hankö in 2003, 2008 and 2017.
National Fleets
Our fleets represent locations with an impressive number of 8-metre yachts - places where sailing tradition and community take centre stage. Join the fleets and experience the fascination of 8-metre sailing at first hand.
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Atlantic Coast FRA
A french metre class organisation on the Atlantic coast of Brittany.
- Societe Nautique de Trinite
acceuil@snt-voile.org
www.snt-voile.org - Yacht Club de l' Odet
contact@yco-voile.fr
www.yco-voile.com - Cercle de la Voile du Bois de la Chaize
info@cvboischaize.com
www.cercle-de-la-voile-du-bois-de-la-chaize.racv.fr - Yacht Club de France
ycf@ycf-club.fr
www.ycf-club.fr
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Helsinki
Helsinki area including Turku: regular class races and separate starts at local regattas.
- Nyländska Jaktklubben
kansliet@njk.fi
njk.fi - Helsingfors Segelsällskap
hss@helsinkisailing.com
www.helsinkisailing.com - Airisto Segelsällskap
kansliet@airistosegelsallskap.fi
www.airistosegelsallskap.fi
Take a look at all the associated yachts
Lake Constance
Multiple yacht clubs on Lake Constance: regular class races and separate starts at local regattas.
- Yacht Club Langenargen
www.ycla.de
info@ycla.de - Yacht Club Lindau
kontakt@yacht-club-lindau.de
yacht-club-lindau.de - Bregenzer Segel Club
schriftfuehrer@bsc.or.at
www.bsc.or.at - Radolfzell Yacht Club
geschaeftsstelle@ycra.de
www.ycra.de - Segelclub Bodman
info@scbo.de
segelclub-bodman.eu
Lake Geneva
Most Eights race out of the SNG. Some Eights are at different locations.
- Societé Nautique de Genève
info@nautique.ch
www.nautique.ch
Lake Ontario
Multiple yacht clubs on Lake Ontario: regular class races and separate starts at local regattas.
- Royal Canadian Yacht Club
sailing@rcyc.ca
rcyc.ca - Sodus Bay Yacht Club
FleetCaptain.SodusBayYC@gmail.com
www.sodusbayyc.org - Etobicoke Yacht Club
info@eyc.ca
eyc.ca - Rochester Yacht Club
www.rochesteryc.com - Oswego Yacht Club
info@oswegoyachtclub.org
www.oswegoyachtclub.org
Mediterranean Previsionary
This area is slightly larger than the normal fleet locations, but during the summer races most of the eights are active here on the classic course and if enough eights come together, there are separate starts.
- Yacht Club de France
ycf@ycf-club.fr
www.ycf-club.fr
- Yacht Club Imperia
office@ycim.it
www.ycimperia.it - Yacht Club de Cannes
info@yachtclubdecannes.com
https://www.yachtclubdecannes.org - Yacht Club Italiano
info@yci.it
www.yci.it
