star class yacht racing association

March 6 - 11, 2017
Miami, Florida

June 1 - 4, 2017
Viareggio, Italy

June 13 - 18, 2017
Cleveland, Ohio USA

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Photo Credit: FRIED ELLIOTT / friedbits.com

• ISCYRA Rules Preamble

Rules of the ISCYRA (updated January 2020) Summary

The Star is a two person one-design sailboat and was designed by William Gardner/Francis Sweisguth in 1910/1911. 

In its old history the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association (ISCYRA), founded in 1922 by George A. Corry, has not only maintained the rules, but has constantly advanced the technical development of the boat and sailing in general. The Star founded the first Sailing World Championship ever in 1923. Since 1932 the Star has become the oldest Olympic class and is the king discipline of keelboat sailing. In the decades until now the Star has further developed to a high tech boat without losing any of its charm and elegance. 

CLASS RULES

• Index of Class Rules
• Rules of the ISCYRA Part 1
• Rules of the ISCYRA Part 2 Championship Rules
• Rules of the ISCYRA Complete
• 2018 Specifications
• Measuring the Star Class Boat
• Notice to Builders and Sailmakers
• Log into Membership Section
• About the Star
• Class Rules
• ISCYRA Minutes & Documents
• Fleet Tools
• International Star Class Legacy Foundation
• Life Members
• Technical News
• Weight Chart
• Member Privacy Policy
• E-Starlights

Collections & Research

Records of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association

Manuscripts collection 208.

History of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association

The Star Class was founded at Port Washington, Long Island, in 1911. Initially 22 Stars were built. Fifteen went to owners at the American Yacht Club in Rye, New York, and the remainder to other clubs on Western Long Island Sound. Since then the rig has been improved and modernized several times, but the hull design remains unchanged.

In January 1922, the Star Class Yacht Racing Association was created at a meeting in New York City. A constitution and a set of by-laws were adopted, and five fleet charters granted. This was the first one-design association, and with far-sighted leadership was nursed through its formative years into the successful international organization that its members enjoy today. With over 160 local fleets in 27 countries, it is considered the world’s greatest one-design racing class. Approximately 8,000 Stars have been built to date (1989), all unified under the umbrella of the I.S.C.Y.R.A.

International officers include the President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer. Class policy is set by the International Governing Committee, with representatives from Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. Some tasks are handled by special committees such as the Administrative, Judicial, Development, Technical, and Measurement committees. There are also fleet captains and secretaries, district secretaries and continental vice presidents, all performing various local functions.

A monthly newsletter “Starlights” is published, along with the annual year book, “The Log”. These publications contain descriptions and accounts of club events, and more importantly, race results, class rules and regulations, specifications, and other by-laws of the Association (The G.W. Blunt White Library has a complete set of “Starlights”, and “The Log”, cataloged and available for research.)

For a more detailed history of the I.S.C.Y.R.A. we suggest Forty Years Among the Stars, by George Elder, pub. 1955. A copy is in the Library’s collection cataloged as: Rare Books GV 823 I5.7 E4.2 ALSO: A History of The Star Class; The First Eighty Years, by C. Stanley Ogilvy, pub. 1991. A copy of this book is also in the Library’s collection. (Revised Jan. 1994)

Scope and Content

The Archives, currently about 3,000 pieces, is contained in acid-free document boxes and file folders, and is shelved in our manuscripts vault. The first 17 boxes represent the initial gift of records received in 1989. Boxes 1 – 12 are organized by committee and are chronologically arranged. Here one will find Administrative Committee minutes, International Governing Committee papers, Development Committee correspondence, numerous measurement and technical reports, plans, specifications, and Judicial Board records. Boxes 13 & 13a contain various Fleet Charters granted between 1922 and 1985. Box 14 has trophy records and related photos, while Box 15 contains George W. Elder’s manuscript for his book, Forty Years Among The Stars. Two boxes hold miscellaneous files and numerous race programs, circulars, brochures, and other publicity.

Boxes 18 – 31 contain material received in 1990 and is organized in the same fashion as the records previously described. Consequently anyone interested in the papers of the Technical Committee must see Boxes 11, 21 & 22, etc. Correspondence, and related papers for the World’s Championships, 1942 – 1991, can be found in Boxes 26, 27, & 27a. Box 32 has additional papers received in 1995, which are clearly identified in the folder descriptions.

Of special importance to the Archives are the Registers for Star Class boats, numbers 1 – 5100 recorded between the years 1911 and 1974. These 17 volumes are arranged by boat number, and are listed in this Inventory following Box 17.

Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Available for use in the Manuscripts Division.

Restrictions on Use

Various copying restriction apply. Guidelines are available from the Manuscripts Division.

Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the G. W. Blunt White Library. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

  Subjects:

Sailboats Sailing Yacht racing Yachting–Societies, etc. Yachts–Design and construction

Document Types:

Minutes Programs

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Coll. 208, Manuscripts Collection, G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.

Detailed Description of the Records

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

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One Design Profile: Star Class

April 27, 2013 by Sail1Design Editor Leave a Comment

“The class of champions”

In the past one hundred years, the Star has established itself at the forefront of the international sailing community. The first one-design class and core Olympic racing yacht since 1932, the Star attracts sailors of varying ages and skill levels from all over the world. With nearly 2,000 boats competing annually and over 170 active fleets world-wide, the development of the class is not likely to slow down in the foreseeable future.

Designed in 1911 by naval architect Francis Sweisguth, the Star was born to replace the 17-foot “Bug,” which was one of the most popular keelboats at the time. By May 1911, the first Star class regatta was held on Long Island Sound and featured five of Sweisguth’s new boats. By 1922, the Stars already numbered in the hundreds, thus leading to the foundation of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association (ISCYRA).

Just under twenty-three feet in length, the hull is long and narrow and features an integrated bulb keel positioned just aft of the mast. In adherence to strict class rules, the Star weighs 1,479 pounds and is typically constructed of fiberglass. Older wooden hulls can still be found from time to time, but rarely in competition. The hull has gentle, sweeping chines leading toward the water line that not only provide a speed advantage, but attribute to the yacht’s aesthetically pleasing appearance.

During the yacht’s one hundred year history, new features have been incorporated into the design in an effort to maintain the class’ position as the pinnacle of the international racing community. The class association began asserting a control over new refinements, not to stifle progress, but to maintain a level of competition based more on the skill of the sailor than the technological advancements of the yacht. Some of the features include:

• Adjustable jib leads
• Crew hiking vest
• Suction bailers
• Unique, circular boom vang
• Whisker pole
• Strict class association sail measurements

One of the interesting features of the Star is the hiking vest. The vest is worn by the crew and allows him or her to adopt a unique hiking position by “drooping” their body over the side of the hull. In addition to the vest, the Star also features a circular vang system. Designed for the star, but eventually adopted other classes, the circular vang system provides a safe means to deal with the enormous loads of the yacht’s large sail plan.

Numerous champions of the sailing world spent time sailing the Star and hold prestigious international titles. A Star Class World Championship is often considered on the most coveting trophies in all of sailing. Despite the high level of competition at top tier events, the Star also offers opportunities to local and amateur sailors. The depth of skill level and opportunity is unrivaled by any other racing class. Sailors looking to compete at the local level can often gain experience with the boat and progress up through the levels of competition, not to mention enjoy the thrill of sailing such an incredible boat.

Get involved with the Star Class! If you want to begin racing there are plenty of Stars out there looking for a good home. Thanks to the regulation in design features, many older Stars perform just as well as their newer counterparts and run at affordable prices. If you are a former college sailor or young professional looking to stay active at the highest level of competition or looking for a fast boat to sail at the local level perhaps a Star should be your next boat…

Sadly, in 2011, it was decided that the keelboats would be removed as an Olympic class following the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Recently rumors began to circulate of comeback for the 2016 Games; however these were quashed almost immediately by the ISCYRA. Despite being struck from the Olympic books the Star class has showed no signs of losing momentum. Huge turnouts for Barcardi Race Week and the 2012 Star Winter Series appear to have breathed new life into the yacht. With hundreds of local regattas scheduled this year and dozens at the internationals and championship level, the Star class remains strong

Draft: 3.3’

Sail Area: 285 sq. ft.

# Boats Built: 8,400

Active Fleets: MD, FL, CA, NY, CT, MA, RI, VA

Website: http://www.starclass.org/index.shtml

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Star Class World Championship

The world-renowned beverage brand Bacardi will support the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association as the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Star World Championship, 8-17 September 2022.

The 2022 Star World Championship will celebrate 100 years of history since the first World Championship was held in 1922. This milestone event will be held in Marblehead, Massachusetts on the eastern seaboard of the United States. This year’s event will celebrate one of sailing’s most popular, successful and appreciated boat and its legends.

Star Champions are written in history, with their names inscribed on the sport’s most prestigious yachting trophies, including the America’s Cup, the Olympics and numerous offshore titles.

Remaining true to the heritage of the Star Class since 1922, the World’s will be contested over six days with one long daily race, bringing together the world’s best alongside emerging talent in a battle of endurance, fitness, strategy and competition. The single race format is also reflected at the iconic Bacardi Cup, partner of the Star Class since 1927 – representing one of the longest standing alliances in sporting history.

Honoring this lasting relationship, as presenting sponsor for the 100th Anniversary Star World Championship Bacardi will host an open bar every night and hospitality for the 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Wednesday, September 14.

“We are thrilled to have our longtime partner, Bacardi, celebrate this historic Championship with us. Bacardi has always stood with the Star Class and this celebratory week will be no exception,” said Tom Londrigan, President of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association.

Continuing its reputation for hosting exceptional shoreside hospitality, the unique style of the Bacardi brand will hit the sweet spot to maximize sailors’ enjoyment post-race.

“2022 is a milestone centenary celebration for the globally renowned Star Class, marking an exceptional measure of success at the heart of sailing. The Star can proudly reflect on its achievements and enduring popularity with sailors worldwide” declared Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA. “Bacardi is proud to have been a partner of the Star Class since 1927, from the origins of the Bacardi Cup in Cuba to the present day in Miami, USA and now at the 100th celebration of the World Championships.”

“On behalf of Bacardi, as presenting sponsor of the 2022 Star World Championships, I wish everyone a spectacular and memorable event,” Cutillas concluded.

Staking a place on the Star World Championship leader board remains as competitive as ever and the challenge for victory is as tough as the first edition back in 1922. The 2022 Star World Championship will take place at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead from September 8th to 17th.

For more information visit  2022worlds.starchampionships.org .

YachtBoatNews

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Bacardi USA and the Star Class partner for the 100th Anniversary of the Star Class World Championship

The world-renowned beverage brand Bacardi will support the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association as the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Star World Championship, 8-17 September 2022.   The 2022 Star World Championship will celebrate 100 years of history since the first World Championship was held in 1922.  This milestone event will be held in Marblehead, Massachusetts on the eastern seaboard of the United States.  This year’s event will celebrate one of sailing’s most popular, successful and appreciated boat and its legends.  Star Champions are written in history, with their names inscribed on the sport’s most prestigious yachting trophies, including the America’s Cup, the Olympics and numerous offshore titles.   Remaining true to the heritage of the Star Class since 1922, the World’s will be contested over six days with one long daily race, bringing together the world’s best alongside emerging talent in a battle of endurance, fitness, strategy and competition.  The single race format is also reflected at the iconic Bacardi Cup, partner of the Star Class since 1927 – representing one of the longest standing alliances in sporting history.   Honoring this lasting relationship, as presenting sponsor for the 100th Anniversary Star World Championship Bacardi will host an open bar every night and hospitality for the 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Wednesday, September 14.   “We are thrilled to have our longtime partner, Bacardi, celebrate this historic Championship with us.  Bacardi has always stood with the Star Class and this celebratory week will be no exception,” said Tom Londrigan, President of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association.   Continuing its reputation for hosting exceptional shoreside hospitality, the unique style of the Bacardi brand will hit the sweet spot to maximize sailors’ enjoyment post-race.   "2022 is a milestone centenary celebration for the globally renowned Star Class, marking an exceptional measure of success at the heart of sailing.  The Star can proudly reflect on its achievements and enduring popularity with sailors worldwide” declared Eddie Cutillas of Bacardi USA.  “Bacardi is proud to have been a partner of the Star Class since 1927, from the origins of the Bacardi Cup in Cuba to the present day in Miami, USA and now at the 100th celebration of the World Championships.” “On behalf of Bacardi, as presenting sponsor of the 2022 Star World Championships, I wish everyone a spectacular and memorable event,” Cutillas concluded.   Staking a place on the Star World Championship leader board remains as competitive as ever and the challenge for victory is as tough as the first edition back in 1922.  The 2022 Star World Championship will take place at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead from September 8th to 17th.  

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Moschellandsbergite (exceptionally rare)

Item description.

Here we have an incredibly hard to find specimen of Moschellandsbergite, a silver mercury amalgam species, that is among the great metallic mineral rarities for collectors. The species was named in 1938 in honor of Moschellandsberg (shortened to Landsberg on most labels you'll see) the type locality for the species. This piece is from the famous Berezovsk deposit in Russia, best known as the type locality for Crocoite (the first pieces were identified in 1766!) but nearly 100 species have been reported from this locality according to the entry on mindat. I will note that mindat does not list Moschellandsbergite as coming from Berezovsk, but the locality info comes directly from Kurt Hefendehl's personal collection catalogue. With that said, this large miniature / small cabinet sized piece hosts a few iron-oxide coated exposed vugs on Quartz which play host to semi-radial groups of soft silvery-grey metallic Moschellandsbergite which measure up to 1.2 cm across. We have photographed the Moschellandsbergite with a Canon MP-E 65 mm macro lens to better illustrate the quality. A supreme rarity for any species collector or a fan of Russian minerals. It's the only one we've ever seen, and I doubt that we'll have another to offer anytime soon, so don't miss out. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#688 Ru), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection for the coming months/years through our various platforms.

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Bidding History

Session Inactive