The Thames A Class Rater is both a historic and modern specialist sailing craft designed for the particular conditions at Thames Sailing Club, on the River Thames at Surbiton in England. The rules refer to the craft as a yacht.
The rig is lofty, supported by standing rigging and usually by runners, and the hull is a scow with metal centreplate.
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 at Bourne End, Buckinghamshire.
Read more about Thames A Class Rater: Rater Development, History, Boats Past and Present, Handicap, The Queens Cup, The Association
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