The
36/600 is one of the largest
classes certified by AMYA, with nearly 1500 boats registered since its
introduction in 1971. Some of the contributing factors for the 36/600's
national popularity is that they are economical to build, easily
transported, and a genuine pleasure to sail.
The 36/600 is a developmental
class, so there are very few
restrictions beyond the thirty-six inch hull length and six hundred
square inches of sail area. The class specifications are so worded to
encourage the designers and builders to fully utilize their
imaginations. Design diversity for 36/600 hulls is quite broad. For
example, beams range from a narrow five inches to over eight inches.
Sail aspects range from forty-five inch luffs to over sixty inch luffs.
The weight of a 36/600 can vary from under five pounds to over eight
pounds. Though there is usually a commonality of boats sailed by a
club, it isn't unusual to have most of the boats quite different in
design. This gives a skipper the option of exercising their judgment of
which design is best for the the prevailing conditions at their sailing
venue.
The sailing characteristics
of the 36/600 are well suited for both
the experienced skippers and the beginner. For a novice skipper, the
36/600's size and simplicity makes understanding the boat and what
makes it go quite easy. For the veteran skipper, the quick response and
"on the edge" speed makes the 36/600 an ideal choice for competitive
sailing.