Universal Rule

The adoption of the Universal Rule put an end to the large over canvased racing machines of the past by putting a heavy tax on sail area whilst encouraging an increase in displacement and hence stability to offset an increase in waterline length allowed by the rule. The rule also fixed overhang lengths and minimum freeboard hights leading to a much more wholesome and Seaworthy boat.

During the 1920s the superiority of the jib headed mainsail or Bermudan mainsail over the traditional gaff rig in windward work had been discovered which more than offset its disadvantages in reaching and running leading to its general adoption in many classes. The high aspect Bermudan rig leant itself perfectly to the universal rule with its high tax on sail area making it the obvious choice for the new yachts .