Yachting Australia

About the Class:

The International Star Class is a double-handed keelboat. The Class has been in the Olympic Games since the 1932 Games in Los Angeles.

The Star is the oldest Olympic Class. Designed in 1911 by William Gardner, the Star was first used in Olympic competition twenty-one years later, and is still at the heart of that competition today. Supported by a worldwide association, over 7,500 yachts have been built in the eighty-plus year history of the class, and 2000-plus are actively racing today.

The Star has evolved into the consummate craft for all ranges of competition and performance sailing: Its equipment and rig is simple enough for the novice, yet versatile enough for those at the forefront of sailing. It's large, powerful sailplan, combined with a sleek hull and light weight, propel the boat in the faintest of airs, while the flexible spar can be tuned to 'de-power' when the breeze kicks up. The large main is infinitely adjustable, allowing the sailor to completely control the driving surface of the sail. Stars today are generally constructed of fibreglass, with positive flotation and an integrated keel. The design, sails, and equipment of the Star are governed by stringent class rules, created to improve competition on the basis of skill and control cost. This has also served to help the longevity of the design, keeping older boats competitive through careful evolution.

Many of the world's top sailors past and present have been involved in the Star Class. It's list of former World Champions reads like Who's Who of yachting: other top sailors such as Dennis Connor, Colin Beashel, John Kostecki, Mats Johansson, Hans Vogt, Benny Anderson, Rod Davis and Mark Reynolds are also involved in the Star Class.

1972 - David Forbes and John Anderson - GOLD

1996 - Colin Beashel and David Giles - BRONZE

2004 Olympic Representatives:

• Colin Beashel and David Giles

Other Links
	Star Photo Gallery
	International Star Class Yacht Racing Association