Footy (model Yacht) - History

History

The plans were reprinted in "Model Boats" magazine in 1975 and was perhaps the influence for the well-known British model yacht designer Roger Stollery to produce his "Choppa" design for his son Peter shortly after. In 1981 Brett McCormack of New Zealand saw a picture of "Choppa" in "Model Boats" magazine and was inspired to design a 12 inch yacht for a school technical drawing project. Much later, in 1996, he actually built the design as a free sailing model for his 2 year old son. In 2000 Richard Web came up with the idea of the Footy class as a radio controlled yacht to sail on the pool at Weymouth Sailing Week. The class spread around the world with the "Ancient Mariners" in Auckland, New Zealand, building and racing scale type Footys. In 2001 Brett McCormack redesigned his 12 inch model and adapted it to radio control – the famous Bobabout design. Over the next four years the class continued to grow with many boats being built from various plans and kits. Racing began at a number of UK clubs and in the far south of New Zealand. In 2005 the British Model Yachting Association decided to formally adopt the Footy class. An International team prepared a new "Box" rule to bring together the various versions across the world. All the original founders and supporters of 12 inch yachts were given a say in the rule. In 2006 the Footy became an officially sanctioned Development Class of the American Model Yachting Association. Serious international racing is scheduled to begin in 2007 and the future of the class seems assured.