The EC-12 is a restricted design radio controlled model yacht class with fibre glass hulls made from near identical moulds and otherwise restricted to similar construction. The result is a class of boats with similar speed potential. The goal, as in any good one-design class, is to have the skipper’s tuning, tactics, and boat handling abilities determine the outcome.
The class also wants the newest boat to be competitive with the 20-year old models, and equally competitive boats from all manufacturers. A stable class organisation and a stable Class Rule has allowed this to happen.
The EC-12 is approximately 1,500 mm in length over all, a little over 10 Kg displacement, and has a 1800 mm tall mast. As the lead-bellied replica of a full size America’s Cup 12-metre, this hull shape copied from a 1962 aerodynamic test model, sails like a full-keel boat as opposed to an agile dinghy. However, the Laws of Scale dictate things happen relatively quickly on the race course with model boats. Tuning, tactics, and concentration are critical to racing success. These boats tune similar to a big boat although, during the race, class rules limit control to sheets, rudder, and an optional jib boom adjustment called a twitcher.
The heavy displacement full-keel form of the EC-12 differs from many other sanctioned mono-hull model yacht racing classes which are a much lighter hull design using long fin keels with bulbs for ballast. The lighter designs are faster, in most conditions. They also can be weed-catchers, restricting where you sail. Weeds are not a problem with EC-12’s, and they perform well in the light winds we often find near shore. They are also shallower draft than the typical fin keel design, although depth is usually not a concern. In Canada they are popular in the East and events with USA skippers are common. Although there are EC-12’s in the West, at present they do not sail in organised fleets
The class is well supported by various forms of documentation and plans, all readily available to the new skipper.
The class rules are managed by the AMYA and may be found here
There is a Class web site with lots of building tips here