In 1907, the International rule was introduced to substitute various handicap systems that were typically regional or national, and often basic, resulting in extreme yet fragile boats. Among these classes, the Six Metre class emerged as the most favored, leading to its selection as an Olympic class in 1908. However, it wasn’t until the Rule’s revision in 1920 that the Sixes gained significant popularity as an international racing class. The 1920s and 1930s marked the ‘golden era’ of International Rule boats, with Sixes remaining the most sought-after class, drawing top sailors and designers to vie for esteemed awards like the Scandinavian Gold Cup and Olympic medals.
Between 1921 and 1953, Alexander Robertson & Sons built five Six Metre yachts, including the renowned Circe, designed by David Boyd in 1937. Circe, considered the yard’s most successful racing yacht, won the Seawanhaka Cup in America in 1938 under Mr. J. Herbert Thom’s command and defended it at home the following year. It later represented Russia in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
The Six Metre class faced escalating costs and exclusivity, especially in the late 1930s. This led to the emergence of the more affordable 5 Metre class by 1929. However, the real shift occurred with the introduction of the International 5.5 Metre class in 1949, which soon overshadowed the Six Metres. Following the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Sixes were dropped from Olympic regattas, and the Gold Cup was transferred to the 5.5 m class from 1953.
The Six Metre boat class persevered through challenges, embracing modern technology for new models. A resurgence in interest during the 1980s led to a revival of older sailboat classes, with Sixes leading the way. Today, the class is experiencing a renaissance, characterized by numerous restorations and rebuilds to meet racing standards. Active fleets in Europe, North America, and Scandinavia are flourishing, with minimal performance differences between classic and modern Sixes, allowing for competitive racing.
In 2019, the International Six Metre Association introduced a digital archive platform, enabling global researchers to explore historical data concerning the class.