Scow Rules

Scow sailing at the RVYC recommenced in earnest at the club a few years back with just four boats. From the outset the sailing was light hearted and of an ad hoc nature carried out by like-minded people, who wished to enjoy themselves without the need for regulations but in a true spirit of Corinthiansim.

And for that the reason we have not seen it necessary to set down in writing any rules. We have all accepted that common sense and good grace to our fellow competitors must always apply.

We are now thirty boats strong (and counting) so it is probably time for us to adopt some very basic RVYC rules/guidelines for us to follow and help standardise our class.

You may be aware that Bembridge, Brading Haven & Yarmouth have adopted their own Scow class rules in 2020 and you will have to adhere to them if visiting their clubs. We as a group have decided to adopt a much softer approach and tailor our rules to our unique requirements at our club. In keeping things as simple as posable.

Fundamental Principles

1. To have fun sailing our Scows in the company of friends, sometimes competitively, and to maintain the principles of good companionship and fair play at all times.
2. Guidance as to dimensions and measurements shall be taken from existing design specifications for East Wight (generally referred to as "Coombes Scows") and West Wight Scows.
3. Scows, irrespective of design, material of construction, or sail type, will race as a fleet and carry no handicap between them

Basic Rules

1. Scows shall be made of Wood or GRP and shall comply with recognised/established build measurements (currently Coombes). We recognise that Scows may well be of a different manufactured depending on their age so slight variations from strict measurements may exist. Scows within the club that are not of this pattern but are owned by existing Scowndrel members will continue to be recognised by the RVYC class and be entitled to sail within the RVYC fleet.
2. Sails may be of West or East Wight design & made by Paul Newell or any other acceptable Solent manufacturer. However, all must conform to recognised sizes and dimensions. (See below)The use of a jib (when racing) is permitted with a crew of two.
3. Masts to be either wood or aluminium. Other spars to be of wood. All spars to conform to established dimensions.
4. Centre plate to be constructed from mild steel & galvanized conforming to recognized dimensions & weight. Centre plate slot gaskets are not permitted.
5. Rudder to be constructed from timber to a recognized pattern, tillers shall be of wood. Tiller extensions may be to owner's requirements.
6. The mainsheet horse, where fitted, is of brass or other suitable metal. As an alternative, a rope, or wire strop may be fitted.
7. Mainsheet material, diameter, and length are optional. Other running rigging shall consist of a main halyard and downhaul of optional material, diameter and length.
8. Standing rigging shall consist of a forestay and two main shrouds.
9. Toe straps are not permitted when racing

Compulsory Equipment

Competitors must comply with RVYC Sis as regards personal buoyancy and safety.

1. Painter. Minimum length of 6 met.
2. Anchor (1.5kg min) plus warp 10 met. (Some chain optional)
3. Pair of oars plus rowlocks.
4. Warp for towing. Minimum 10 met.
5. Competitors must satisfy themselves as to the sufficiency and integrity of the buoyancy of their craft.
6. Bucket & Bailer

Optional Equipment

1. Choice of mainsheet block.
2. Choice of systems to operate downhaul.
3. Choice of cleats.
4. Wind indicator/burgee.
5. Waterproof VHF radio may be carried
6. Floorboards may be fitted.
7. Cushions may be carried
8. No other equipment is permitted.

Equipment & Alterations

If you have to ask if you can do something different from these guidelines then you properly can't.

Sizes & Dimensions of Sails

Main Sail

All Paul Newell basic sail sizes are as follows

Luff /3ft.5inches / 1.04. Met

Leech /14ft 0.inches / 4.27.met

Head 9.ft.4inches.2.84.met

Foot.9ft.4inches /2.84.met

Throat to clew 10.2 inches.3.10.met

Throat to midpoint on leach 6ft 10.inches.2.08.met

West Wight sails have two battens 22" equally spaced along the leech

Jib Sail

Luff 7' 6"/ 2260mm

Leech 6'11.5" /2120mm

Foot 3'2.5"/975mm

Area 11.25 sq. / ft. /1.034 sq. /m

Last updated 11:02 on 9 September 2026