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TheThames A Class Rater is both a historic and modern specialist sailing craft designed for the particular conditions at Thames Sailing Club, on theRiver Thames atSurbiton in England. The class is a development of the Half Rater, which was designed byLinton Hope and Alfred Burgoyne in 1907.[1] The rules[2] refer to the craft as ayacht.
The rig is lofty, supported by standing rigging and usually byrunners,[3] and the hull is ascow with metalcentreplate.
All boats built before 1922 are made from wood whilst those built since are of a different construction.
The rater is extremely fast, planes easily, and is a technically highly challenging boat to sail in anything above moderate wind conditions. It is usually sailed with a crew of three.
Raters have traditionally commuted by river under tow between Thames Sailing Club at Surbiton and Upper Thames Sailing Club atBourne End, Buckinghamshire.
Mixed in with large fleets of other boats, the raters are usually seen at the following regattas with very tight, close quarters racing.
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Unusually, for a class designed about a rule allowing wide variation in most design parameters, individual boats are handicapped.
Presented by Queen Victoria in 1893 the race is set to be nine miles with a four-hour time limit. The race takes place on the final day of Bourne End week and is considered the most prestigious race that the raters compete in.[citation needed]