International Catamaran Challenge Trophy

The International Catamaran Challenge Trophy is the formal name for the match racing series between two catamarans familiarly known the Little Americas Cup. While a championship series sailed between C Class catamarans does still exist, it is no longer known as the Little America's Cup.

Loosely modelled on the Americas Cup series for yachts, it started in 1961 after UK catamaran designer Rod Mcalpine-Downie became aware of a challenge from America that claimed they had "the fastest sailboat". Rod answered the challenge and simple rules were agreed. The challenge had to come from a recognized yacht club and consequently was taken up by John Fisk on behalf of the Chapman Sands Yacht Club of which he was Commodore and friend of Rod. The challenge was successful and the trophy went to the UK where it stayed for 8 years.

The simple design rules were formalised, overall length of 25 feet (7.6 m), beam of 14 feet (4.3 m) and total sail area of 300 square feet (28 m2) to be sailed by a two-man crew. These formed the basis of the rules for the International C-Class Catamaran.

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