Sailing / Topic 19

Hull dimensions and boat weight

World Sailing · 2025–2028
Last checked: 23 October 2026
Source: World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing 2025–2028 (corrections 1 January 2025) + Equipment Rules of Sailing 2025–2028 · Source pages: ERS: 12–14, 17–18, 58
In short

Hull length and overall boat length are different defined measurements. Hull length excludes fittings, while boat length uses the boat’s foremost and aftermost points with spars appropriately set and sails excluded. Beam, draft and hull weight also have specified meanings. A number from a sales brochure may therefore not match the measurement used by the class.

On this pageThe ruleIn practice

The rule

Hull length and overall boat length are different defined measurements. Hull length excludes fittings, while boat length uses the boat’s foremost and aftermost points with spars appropriately set and sails excluded. Beam, draft and hull weight also have specified meanings. A number from a sales brochure may therefore not match the measurement used by the class.

In practice

Weight and flotation measurements require the boat in the prescribed dry condition, with included and excluded items identified by the rules. Sails, tank contents and loose equipment are normally excluded under the general procedure unless the applicable rules say otherwise. Do not add or remove equipment merely to reach a target; follow the exact class measurement configuration.

Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied official rulebook. References use PDF page numbers; topic numbers are editorial.
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