Please select your home edition
Edition

Five types of racing sailboat

by Sailing Committee (Qingdao) of BOCOG on 9 Aug 2008
Keelboat George Layton
Check out the website for the Sailing Committee (Qingdao) of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

http://www.sailing2008.org/content/2007-10/17/content_42233.htm

It lists some helpful information for non-sailors wanting to understand the sport better...

Quote

A typical racing sailboat has many parts such as the mast, boom, hull, keel and rudder. Mainly there are five types of racing sailboat. Respectively they are,

Keel Boat. As it's name implies, keelboat has a keel to help it go straight in the water. Keelboat is a large, heavy, stable, and multi-people controlled boat that is more suitable on long distance sailing.


Centerboard Boat or Dinghy. It is a light, flexible, inexpensive boat with a small rudder behind. One of the most popular sailboat in Olympics.


Multi-Hull. It is constructed by more than one hull. The boat is distinctive on its speed and excitement.


Tower ship. A giant boat mostly being used for amusement proposes.


Windsurf. No rudder, no fin, easy to operate.

Unquote

Sail-World is eagerly looking forward to reporting on the Tower ship class - just for the 'amusement proposes'.

Pantaenius Sail 2025 AUS FooterSwitch One DesignHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range

Related Articles

Entry open for 2026 OK Dinghy Worlds
Tthe first time the world championship has been held in Denmark since 2012 Entry has opened for the 2026 OK Dinghy World Championship, to be held in Skovshoved, Denmark, from 5-12 June. The Notice of Race has also been published.
Posted today at 2:23 pm
Breakthrough 2025 season for UpWind by MerConcept
A masterful Transat Café L'Or led by an all-women duo Back in Concarneau after a strong finish in the Transat Café L'Or, UpWind by MerConcept closes a landmark second season marked by accelerated sporting progress, human development, and growing visibility.
Posted today at 1:30 pm
30% Off All Henri-Lloyd Jackets for a Limited Time
Engineered warmth, weather protection and everyday durability Engineered warmth, weather protection and everyday durability. All Henri-Lloyds jackets are 30% off for Cyber Week only.
Posted today at 12:00 pm
Stage set at World Sailing Inclusion Championships
155 registered participants from 37 nations make history as part of inaugural edition The stage is set in Al Mussanah, in the Sultanate of Oman, for the first ever edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships.
Posted today at 10:47 am
Pantaenius Pittwater Regatta Preview
Add it to your February calendar! Yes, the year is nearly up, making it time to go online and sign up for the 2026 Pantaenius Australia Pittwater Regatta and the NSW ORC Championship, held in tandem with the Regatta, courtesy of continued support from Sydney Marine Brokerage.
Posted today at 6:41 am
Cabbage Tree Island Race Preview
Rolex Sydney Hobart contenders to square off in Friday's overnight race The biggest lead-in to the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will get under way from Sydney Harbour on Friday night (1700 AEDT) and will feature the who's who of offshore sailing.
Posted today at 5:47 am
Auckland Wooden Boat Festival - 100 days to go!
Fun fact: 26 different classic boat entities make up the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival! The Festival is an immense effort from a diverse group of people who have the same things in common: they love maritime history and the craft and stories of wooden boats, and want to share that with the world.
Posted today at 4:16 am
SailGP: Brad Farrand transfers to Swedish team
Artemis confirms Brad Farrand as jib trimmer for the team's debut season. Artemis SailGP has added serious power to its 2026 roster, confirming Brad Farrand as jib trimmer for the team's debut season.
Posted today at 3:23 am
The veil is lifted on Gitana 18
See the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild After many months of work, waiting and preciously guarded secrets, the new Gitana/Verdier designed Maxi Edmond de Rothschild was unveiled this Wednesday, December 3rd in Lorient, Brittany.
Posted on 3 Dec
Switching Classes - Advice from Ben McGrane
Getting the decision right takes thought and a bit of research Getting the decision right takes thought and a bit of research. Will the class suit you? Are you the right weight? What boat should you get in that class? All questions which could decide where you make the right choice.
Posted on 3 Dec