Javelin dinghy (Australasia)
|
Class symbol | |
 | |
| Boat | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
| Trapeze | single |
| Hull | |
| Hull weight | 150 lbs (70 kg) |
| LOA | 14 ft (4.267 m) |
| Beam | 5 ft 8 in (1.727 m) |
| Sails | |
| Mainsail area | 125 ft2 (11.6 m2) |
| Jib / Genoa area | 50 ft2 (4.3 m2) |
| Spinnaker area | 200ft2 (18.6 m2) |
The Javelin is a high performance skiff type dinghy sailed in Australia and New Zealand. The class was founded by designer John Spencer in 1961. Spencer also founded the Cherub Class. It is 14 feet long, sporting a large sail area, single trapeze and asymmetrical spinnaker. The Javelin is a development class, meaning that boats vary in shape within a framework of rules, rather than being all built to the same design. Bruce Farr is another well known designer who drew successful Javelins.
Its lightweight 70 kg hull, and powerful, efficient sail plan allow it to exceed speeds of 25 knots and provide an exhilarating "ride" with exciting fleet racing.
Competitions and Racing
Both Australia and New Zealand run their respective National championships each year, with New Zealand holding a National contest ever since 1964.
The two countries race each other every second year in the Javelin Class South Pacific Championships, sailing for the "Air New Zealand Trophy". This contest was first sailed during the season of 1968 - 69 and was first won by the New Zealand Javelin "Rangi". The South Pacific Championships is the most sought over of the titles.
The 2011-12 Australian Championship was raced at Perth Dingy Sailing Club Western Australia from 27 December 2011 to 5 January 2012. The current champions are;
Australian Champion - Racing Red sailed by R. Hanrahan and C. Woodward
Ladies Champion - Himalayan Woman, helmsman N. Thomas
Junior Helmsman Champion - Skid Mark, helmsman T. Cochrane
Senior Helmsman Champion - Razor, helmsman P. Sharp
Handicap Champion - Phlegm Buoyant, K. Bundred and K. Pearce
The 2012-13 Australian Championships will be held at Cairn Curran Sailing Club Victoria.
The 2010-11 Javelin South Pacific Championships were held at McCrae Yacht Club Victoria. The current champion is
Fat Boys, B. Hennessy and A. Hackett from Perth Dinghy Sailing Club.
The 2013 South Pacific Championships will be held in New Zealand.
Sanders Memorial Cup (NZ)
The Sanders Cup is the oldest sailing trophy sailed for in New Zealand. The Sanders Cup holds a special place New Zealand Yachting History. It is the oldest trophy sailed for in New Zealand under its original inception. It is the only remaining senior interprovincial challenge competition still sailed for today.
Since the inaugural races in 1921 it has been sailed for every year with the exception of 1942-45. The Sanders Memorial Cup was presented by Messrs Walker and Hall Limited in 1921 in the memory of Lieutenant Commander W.E.Sanders, V.C., D.S.O., R.N.R. for interprovincial competition between 14 ft one-design yachts.
The Javelin class sail each year for the Sanders Cup, with only one entry from each region in New Zealand allowed. A sail off takes place to determine who will represent each region.