Thames_A_Class_Rater_(scow)
The Thames A Class Rater is both a historic and modern specialist sailing craft designed for the particular conditions at Thames Sailing Club, on the River Thames at Surbiton in England. The class is a development of the Half Rater, which was designed by Linton Hope and Alfred Burgoyne in 1907.[1] The rules[2] refer to the craft as a yacht.
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The rig is lofty, supported by standing rigging and usually by runners,[3] and the hull is a scow with metal centreplate.
All boats built before 1922 are made from wood whilst those built since are of a different construction.
The rater is extremely fast, planes easily, and is a technically highly challenging boat to sail in anything above moderate wind conditions. It is usually sailed with a crew of three.
Raters have traditionally commuted by river under tow between Thames Sailing Club at Surbiton and Upper Thames Sailing Club at Bourne End, Buckinghamshire.