Why an International 14?

The International 14 is much talked about and is portrayed in different ways, depending upon the observer. On one hand an exciting and affordable development class which out-performs most monohulls or an over-expensive way to get wet. Ask any 14 sailors and they would say the former. The message from them to any prospective 14er would be to consider the benefits and don’t listen to the nonsense! We’d like to set out the facts in this article.

Where is the 14 now?

It is 10 years since the International 14 Class took the bold step of unification with the Southern hemisphere 14 Foot Skiff. The first tentative steps were taken in 1989 (I’m sure some old crusty will say earlier!) at the San Francisco World and Open Championship. Here we saw the International 14, with its made new asymmetric spinnaker, pitch against the wider, lighter and taller rigged 14 Ft Skiffs of Australia. The New Zealanders in attendance attempted a compromise with I14 type hulls, with Skiff weight and rig. The event was hailed as a success mainly because we had fantastic sailing, two winners and a lot of drinking was done!

In the aftermath of SF we all went home and thought that unification then would be difficult. The boats were chalk and cheese at the time and us Brits were turning our attention to Europe. However, the foundations were set and the I14 went wider and taller, and the Aussie boats ate a few pies in order to merge the classes.

Post the rule change in January 1996, the San Francisco Worlds 1997 was phenomenal. Better that ‘89 in many ways. A true World Championship with unified racing, less of a tide and consistent breezes – and a bit of drinkin’!

What has developed in the last 10 years?

The boat has only developed within the framework of the 1996 rules, allowing natural development of hull shapes and rigs. Remember it is a development class and must allow sensible developments – these for example:

• We have made carbon boats at sensible prices, comparable to “normal” FRP.
• 14s with racks allowed a “cleaner” line through the water
• Easy to use, “gust response” carbon rigs – so you can get on with the sailing and they don’t keep breaking.
• We have introduced properly foiling rudders to the world, which have given stability to downwind sailing as a well as upwind performance.

The 14 is now is enjoying a period of such stability in terms of rule changes and developments that we see hulls and rig styles of up to eight years old remaining competitive. Second hand prices also make it entirely affordable such that an adventurous prospective newcomer has a simple choice – buy a high quality carbon 14, which is as stiff as the day it was built or buyer a cheaper FRP boat and have less fun!

Myths and Truths

There have been many arguments against buying a 14, mostly borne out of complete misunderstandings. Or perhaps we’ll call it bull. Here are some real questions, with our answers:

The 14 rules are always changing, aren’t they? Like foiling centreboards?

Not at all. As mentioned before, we have enjoyed natural development within the 1996 rules. The foiling rudders have been specifically allowed and make a positive contribution to the class. Foiling completely is too impractical and is not going to happen.

Aren’t new 14s hideously expensive?

Not necessarily. Compared with many boats, no they’re not when you consider what you are buying. New RS800s, 505s and other worthy classes of similar size and performance will easily exceed £10k all told. A 14 new will cost between £10k and £14k. You get more carbon, bigger sails, bigger performance and huge excitement.

What can I expect to spend on a good second hand boat?

It is amazing how cheaply you can get on the water with a decent second hand boat. A second-hand 14 is perfectly attainable for tight budgets. A Bieker 2/3 or Morrison 10/11 will cost between £4k and £7k. For this you would get a stiff hull, which is not out-dated, a modern rig and a T-Foil rudder. An example of this was UK Chairman Archie Massey’s old Bieker 3, sold for £4000, was second at the last Europeans. This represents fantastic value for money – just look at other classes and what you can get for 5 grand – a 10 or 12 year old FRP boat in some cases?

To stay competitive, you need a new 14 every other year don’t you?

No. Get that idea out of your head, my friend! The boats are mainstream now and are built to last. In every class, the top guys could win in a soap-box and if they buy new boats every other year, it serves to help the class grow with more good second-hand boats available. That is true of the 14 class too.

Aren’t they just too difficult to sail?

They are a challenge and not for the feint hearted, which may put some off. That said, once the basic skills are acquired, the rewards are immense. The thrill of flying upwind! The wild rides downwind! The 14’s instability downwind has been tempered by the arrival of the T-Foil rudder, since it “anchors” the stern down and therefore one doesn’t go “down the mine” quite so much! There is only one way to find out – go for a ride in one!

Aren’t they a young man’s boat?

Look at the cross section of the fleet and the helms are in their 30s and 40s. And that isn’t because they are the only ones to afford the boat. They are the twenty-somethings who were at San Francisco in 1989, still in the class, still having fun! Many others have joined the 14 class from other classes and they are often of mixed age groups. Taking the extremes, last year 17 year old Tom Partington entered the Crew’s Union after his 6th place in the POW. His dad had to drink the nasty concoction that evening! A couple of years ago Baird Bardarsson from Seattle hung up his harness, 50 years after putting it on first. He was still blisteringly fast in the SF worlds in1997. Then there is Robin Nott in the UK, aging gracefully and still helming 35 years after winning the POW as a crew.

Don’t you have to join Itchenor to sail 14s?

Itchenor is a wonderful a club but there is no obligation to join! A new fleet has been established at Hayling in recent years and more fleets are popping up in other parts of the country. The 14 Class Association is always keen to help establish new fleets.

Isn’t the 14 Class a bit elitist?

We call the 14 “The Ultimate” and it has been voted the “best race boat” in the world by sailinganarchy.com. In that sense it is an elite boat but the class is anything but elitist. We are all down-to-earth, friendly individuals who love to sail fast, have a laugh and live life. Come and find out for yourself!

The international 14 is the greatest creation since Noah noticed it was raining…. Correct! Now we’re getting somewhere!

So, come and talk to us! Information for who to contact, where an event is running and getting a sail in “the world’s best race boat”, please go to our newly launched website www.international14.org . You can also send your details to us on the “Contact Us” page.