Appropriate
size - We are not the biggest nor the smallest of
the AMYA classes. The EC-12 is the right size for easy car transport,
and is big enough to handle open water with ease, yet the low-drag
full keel displacement hull form excels in light air and eliminates
weed problems common to fin keel boats. You'll be amazed at the
control you can have in tight quarters. The EC-12 is a model yacht,
not a toy boat.
Long history with a
stable class rule - EC-12s are time tested. As one
of the earliest classes sanctioned by the AMYA, the class celebrated
30 years of active racing in 2000 with well over 1,500 boats registered
during that time. Boats built in the 1970's can be updated to sail
competitively in the class, proof that the one-design class rule
works. A new EC-12 can be a potent performer, and will remain so
for a long time.
Best documented model
yacht class - The class promotes the free exchange
of construction, configuration, and handling technique information.
The Class is supported by two major books totaling 380 pages of
text, drawings, and photos of EC-12s inside and out. Information
is also available on the Internet at sites like www.ec12.org
and www.ec12.info.
This means that newcomers have immediate access to all the go-fast
and latest thinking about the boat.
Class member support
and information exchange - Our 12 Discussions
Forum is the best way to stay up to date on all the things
going on in the class, to exchange building and tuning tips,
find out about regattas, and post questions to other EC-12
skippers. Join here: www.ec12.org/Clubhouse/Discussion.htm.
Excellent after-market
support - We are blessed with a healthy number
of hull manufacturers, who supply additional key components
such as decks and ballasts. A range of specialty manufacturers
produce everything from sails to boat cradles and fittings.
Country-wide sailing
- Most EC-12 racing occurs at the club level and
you will find fleets across the US racing in small to large fleets.
Some regional racing circuits exist such as the Florida Championship,
the Dixie Cup, and the Colonial Cup.
Premiere AMYA national
class - If you decide that competitive racing is
your interest, the EC-12 is what you have been looking for. Effective
sailing of this model requires patience, anticipation, and a substantial
commitment to doing a good job. Skippers who compete in the class
do so because this is where the top US skippers eventually gather.
At a 30 boat National Championship, it is not unusual to find that
upwards of 50% of the fleet has won Regional and National Championships
in other classes. EC-12 National Championship events rotate through
the six AMYA Regions on a regular schedule, so sooner or later you'll
be able to try your hand.
Where can I get one?
The hobby shops in your area are the place to go for building supplies
and radios. The hulls have to be obtained from authorized manufacturers.
Used boats are also available. See the AMYA Suppliers page on the
Web at www.theamya.org
or check out the EC-12 Class page at www.ec12.org
or the building site at www.ec12.info.
Are there any races I can enter?
Yes. Most of the local clubs of the Florida EC-12 Association have
regularly scheduled sailing days throughout the year. And many of
the clubs also race other class boats besides the EC-12. You do
not need prior experience to enter, but getting to the finish line
first will be a challenge! |
