Classes
All Classes
The 125 is a 12.5 foot (3.83 m) two person sailing dinghy complete with spinnaker and trapeze, a boat for everyone. It has a design that appeals to the person want to experience double-handed sailing action without going overboard on costs.
Racing is generally dominated by teenage skipper-crew combinations, though it is not uncommon to find sailors anywhere between 8 and 60 having a ball in their 125. The nature of the class is family orientated; this means an ideal class that is great for 2 adults or Father-Mother/Son-Daughter combinations.
Type
A casual double-handed class, great for club racing.
Age and Weight
Useful Link
Fleet Representative
Racing is generally dominated by teenage skipper-crew combinations, though it is not uncommon to find sailors anywhere between 8 and 60 having a ball in their 125. The nature of the class is family orientated; this means an ideal class that is great for 2 adults or Father-Mother/Son-Daughter combinations.
Type
A casual double-handed class, great for club racing.
Age and Weight
- 13+ year olds
- 100-140kg (skipper & crew combined)
Useful Link
Fleet Representative
- Mitch Stone
The 29er is a double-handed youth skiff designed for speed. Their light streamlined hull, asymmetric spinnaker, carbon mast and trapeze make them a racing weapon and they are sailed internationally. The 29er can be sailed by boys and girls and is the youth pathway class for the Olympic 49er and 49erFX.
Type
The 29er is sailed by youth sailors keen to sail in a team of two and potentially pursue a high performance sailing pathway in the 49erFX or 49er.
Age and Weight
Fleet Representative
Steve Randall
Type
The 29er is sailed by youth sailors keen to sail in a team of two and potentially pursue a high performance sailing pathway in the 49erFX or 49er.
Age and Weight
- 14-17 year olds
- 110-140kg (skipper & crew combined)
Fleet Representative
Steve Randall
The 49er and 49erFX are high performance, double-handed, Olympic class skiffs. Both use the same hull, with the FX having a slightly smaller rig for women.
The 49er and 49erFX have long been regarded as the most high performance form of Olympic class racing. With foiling classes now nudging into this space, the 49er and 49erFX remain up there as one of the most exciting dinghies to race.
Type
An Olympic skiff class for both men and women, the 49er is a high performance boat for experienced racers.
Age and Weight
Useful Link
The 49er and 49erFX have long been regarded as the most high performance form of Olympic class racing. With foiling classes now nudging into this space, the 49er and 49erFX remain up there as one of the most exciting dinghies to race.
Type
An Olympic skiff class for both men and women, the 49er is a high performance boat for experienced racers.
Age and Weight
- 16-40 year olds
- 125-150kg – 49er FX (skipper & crew combined)
- 150-180kg – 49er (skipper & crew combined)
Useful Link
The South of Perth Yacht Club boasts a large fleet of Flying 15 sailboats, known for their competitive sailing. The fleet includes accomplished sailors with State, Australian, and World Titles, offering valuable tuning tips and knowledge. The club’s sociable nature is highlighted by frequent post-sailing social events and various functions.
Type
The international Flying 15 is a light-weight, planning keelboat crewed by two people. The Flying 15 has stood the test of time, providing exciting, ‘close to the water’ racing for sailors of all ages from juniors to seniors.
Age and Weight
Useful Links
Fleet Representative
Andrew Colquhoun
Type
The international Flying 15 is a light-weight, planning keelboat crewed by two people. The Flying 15 has stood the test of time, providing exciting, ‘close to the water’ racing for sailors of all ages from juniors to seniors.
Age and Weight
- 18+ year olds
- 145-185kg (skipper & crew combined)
Useful Links
- Flying Fifteen International Western Australia
- Flying Fifteen International Australia
- Flying Fifteen International
Fleet Representative
Andrew Colquhoun
The (ICLA) Laser is a one-design, single-handed sailing dinghy. There are 3 rig set-ups for the Laser hull and the 4.7 is the smallest of the three (ILCA 4), with 4.7 square meters of sail area.
The Laser is the largest international dinghy class, making the ILCA 4an ideal youth class for sailors looking to develop their racing skills.
Type
The ILCA 4 is an ideal next step after the Optimist or Open Skiff for sailors wanting to develop single-handed skills. These skills can be later transferred into double-handed boats, or sailors can progress into the Laser Radial and pursue Laser class sailing.
Age and Weight
Useful Links
Fleet Representative
Craig Hansen
The Laser is the largest international dinghy class, making the ILCA 4an ideal youth class for sailors looking to develop their racing skills.
Type
The ILCA 4 is an ideal next step after the Optimist or Open Skiff for sailors wanting to develop single-handed skills. These skills can be later transferred into double-handed boats, or sailors can progress into the Laser Radial and pursue Laser class sailing.
Age and Weight
- 12-17 year olds
- 48-62kg (optimum weight 58kg)
Useful Links
- Western Australia Laser Association (WALA)
- Australian Laser Class Association (ALCA)
- International Laser Class Association (ILCA)
Fleet Representative
Craig Hansen
The Laser is a one design, single handed sailing dinghy. There are 3 rig set-ups for the Laser hull and the Radial is the middle of the three in size, with 5.7 square meters of sail area.
The Laser Radial is an Olympic Womens class and an international youth class for boys and girls.
Type
Being an Olympic and international youth class, the Laser Radial fits into our high performance training.
This doesn’t mean that more casual sailors can’t enjoy racing a Laser Radial at SoPYC too, it really is a boat for everyone!
Age and Weight
Useful Links
The Laser Radial is an Olympic Womens class and an international youth class for boys and girls.
Type
Being an Olympic and international youth class, the Laser Radial fits into our high performance training.
This doesn’t mean that more casual sailors can’t enjoy racing a Laser Radial at SoPYC too, it really is a boat for everyone!
Age and Weight
- 16+ year olds
- 62-75kg (optimum weight 72kg)
Useful Links
The Laser is a one design, single handed sailing dinghy. There are 3 rig set-ups for the Laser hull and the Standard is the largest of the three, with 7 square meters of sail area.
The Laser Standard is an Olympic Mens class and is sailed widely around the world.
Type
Being an Olympic class, the Laser Standard fits into our high performance training.
This doesn’t mean that more casual sailors can’t enjoy racing a Laser at SoPYC too, it really is a boat for everyone!
Age and Weight
Useful Links
The Laser Standard is an Olympic Mens class and is sailed widely around the world.
Type
Being an Olympic class, the Laser Standard fits into our high performance training.
This doesn’t mean that more casual sailors can’t enjoy racing a Laser at SoPYC too, it really is a boat for everyone!
Age and Weight
- 18+ year olds
- 75-90kg (optimum weight 83kg)
Useful Links
The Formula 1 of dinghy sailing.
The International Moth is a single-handed hydro-foiling dinghy capable of speeds over 30 knots. Completely customisable within only a few class restrictions, the Moth is raced by some of the world’s most elite sailors, but also provides an exciting option for any experienced sailor.
Type
A challenging, foiling boat for experienced sailors that enjoy tight, high-speed racing.
Age and Weight
Useful Links
The International Moth is a single-handed hydro-foiling dinghy capable of speeds over 30 knots. Completely customisable within only a few class restrictions, the Moth is raced by some of the world’s most elite sailors, but also provides an exciting option for any experienced sailor.
Type
A challenging, foiling boat for experienced sailors that enjoy tight, high-speed racing.
Age and Weight
- 18+ year olds
- 60-90kg
Useful Links
Designed specifically for juniors, this little dinghy has blown a big breath of fresh air through the sailing world, close to the new-generation skiff concept, very fast and very simple.
100% open, self-bailing, rapid and responsive, with an up-to-date versatile rig, the O’pen Skiff offers kids a machine that delivers maximum fun while helping them learn the skills and enjoy racing on current, high-performance equipment.
Hundreds of sailing clubs around the world have opted for the O’pen Skiff, for a new, fun way of teaching sailing to appeal to youngsters.
Type
A junior training class that has characteristics that teach important skills for transitioning to other classes.
Age and Weight
Useful Links
Fleet Representative
Tim Beck
100% open, self-bailing, rapid and responsive, with an up-to-date versatile rig, the O’pen Skiff offers kids a machine that delivers maximum fun while helping them learn the skills and enjoy racing on current, high-performance equipment.
Hundreds of sailing clubs around the world have opted for the O’pen Skiff, for a new, fun way of teaching sailing to appeal to youngsters.
Type
A junior training class that has characteristics that teach important skills for transitioning to other classes.
Age and Weight
- 8-15 year olds
- 35-50kg
Useful Links
Fleet Representative
Tim Beck
The Optimist is an Australian Sailing recommended class for junior sailors. Its size and forgiving nature make it a great boat for introducing sailing at an early age. It is technical enough to provide all of the challenges both physically and mentally for sailors to develop their skills to the highest level of competition.
The Optimist is sailed in over 110 countries and offers an extensive foundation for sailors to take their sailing to any level they choose.
Type
The Optimist is used as the primary pathway boat at SoPYC for:
Age and Weight
Useful Links
The Optimist is sailed in over 110 countries and offers an extensive foundation for sailors to take their sailing to any level they choose.
Type
The Optimist is used as the primary pathway boat at SoPYC for:
-
Try Sail & Learn to Sail (Green Fleet) Programs – Using the plastic Ozi Opti modified optimist, which is more stable and stronger.
Its strength and stability make it a very safe introduction for sailors - Bronze Fleet (Or Transition Group) – Use Club owned fiberglass racing Optimists or their own
- Silver (Learn to Race) and Gold Fleet (Learn to Compete)– Sailors at this stage have their own boat and are very competent
Age and Weight
- 7-14 year olds
- 30-53 kg
Useful Links
The Pelican is exclusive to WA and is 2.9 metres in length, constructed of either wood or fibreglass, with either aluminium or wooden spars. The gaff-rig sail configuration, combining mainsail and a small spinnaker, gives young sailors a boat that is easy to handle, whilst at the same time teaching some fundamentals of sailing.
Type
The Pelican can be sailed by junior sailors from 8 to 15 although the latter age group may be restricted by physical size rather than age. Pelicans can be a two-person option as a transition boat between Optimist Green Fleet and youth classes.
Age and Weight
Useful Link
Fleet Representative
Tim Beck
Type
The Pelican can be sailed by junior sailors from 8 to 15 although the latter age group may be restricted by physical size rather than age. Pelicans can be a two-person option as a transition boat between Optimist Green Fleet and youth classes.
Age and Weight
- 8-15 year olds
- 65-85kg (skipper & crew combined)
Useful Link
Fleet Representative
Tim Beck
One of the most recent additions to Olympic class sailing, the Windfoil will make it’s Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 games.
Foiling is the future of sailing, and the Windfoil promises to deliver an exciting new challenge to experienced windsurfers, whether embarking on an Olympic campaign or having fun blasting around the Swan River.
Type
A high performance upgrade to the Windsurfer. A perfect craft for windsurfers wanting to step up to a new challenge for fun or future Olympic competition.
Age and Weight
15+ year olds
60-90kg
Useful Links
Fleet Representative
Nick Robinson
Foiling is the future of sailing, and the Windfoil promises to deliver an exciting new challenge to experienced windsurfers, whether embarking on an Olympic campaign or having fun blasting around the Swan River.
Type
A high performance upgrade to the Windsurfer. A perfect craft for windsurfers wanting to step up to a new challenge for fun or future Olympic competition.
Age and Weight
15+ year olds
60-90kg
Useful Links
Fleet Representative
Nick Robinson
The Windsurfer LT is the fastest-growing racing class in the World and maintains the ideals and traditions of the sailboarding pioneers – to provide a fun and inclusive platform for fair and friendly competition.
Windsurfers are engaged in racing and training activities at SoPYC.
Type
The Windsurfer primary focus is on having fun.
Whether you are learning, cruising or wanting to race the Windsurfer is a great platform.
Without a rudder the Windsurfer is also a fantastic tool for teaching “feel” in general sailing for the competitive sailor.
Age and Weight
Useful Links
Class Representative
Nick Robinson
Windsurfers are engaged in racing and training activities at SoPYC.
Type
The Windsurfer primary focus is on having fun.
Whether you are learning, cruising or wanting to race the Windsurfer is a great platform.
Without a rudder the Windsurfer is also a fantastic tool for teaching “feel” in general sailing for the competitive sailor.
Age and Weight
- 13+ year olds
- 50-100kg
Useful Links
Class Representative
Nick Robinson
Wingfoiling is a new and versatile water sport that combines elements of sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s easy to learn, requiring minimal equipment—just a wing, foil board, and hydrofoil. Powered by the wind, wingfoiling offers a full-body workout, a connection with nature, and opportunities for skill progression and challenges. With low environmental impact and a supportive community, it provides an exhilarating way to enjoy water while prioritizing safety and responsible enjoyment.
The SoPYC has been embracing and instructing this emerging sport’s growth, which encompasses racing and cross-training activities.
Wingfoiling is included in the club’s fleet of activities alongside Windsurfing and Windfoiling and is represented as a “Board” fleet.
Type
Wingfoiling is a water sport that involves riding a hydrofoil board while being propelled by a handheld inflatable wing, utilizing wind power for movement. It’s a new sport that includes freeriding, racing and wave adventures.
Age and Weight
Fleet Representatives
The SoPYC has been embracing and instructing this emerging sport’s growth, which encompasses racing and cross-training activities.
Wingfoiling is included in the club’s fleet of activities alongside Windsurfing and Windfoiling and is represented as a “Board” fleet.
Type
Wingfoiling is a water sport that involves riding a hydrofoil board while being propelled by a handheld inflatable wing, utilizing wind power for movement. It’s a new sport that includes freeriding, racing and wave adventures.
Age and Weight
- 13+ year olds
- Any weight range, but smaller and larger equipment is recommended to suite
Fleet Representatives
- Nick Robinson
- Oliver Pabrewe
