Santa Barbara RG-65

This is one of the oldest classes in the AMYA but because it is one design, still has some of the first built boats sailing regularly in competition. Its 70 inch hull length puts some restrictions on your choice of vehicle to take this boat to water, but many compact hatchbacks with fold down rear seats will suit just fine. A shallow 14 inch draft, combined with a gentle sloped keel lets you sail this beauty in almost any water, including weedy conditions. The S/B's conservative sail plan on a 72 inch mast allows one person handling, and can provide some real excitement when small craft flags are flying and most of its big boat cousins are safely in the harbor. The S/B's fiberglass molded hull, keel and rudder are available as a short kit, and about $500 will put you in the water with a suggested minimum three channel radio.