EC-12 CLASS The EC-12 is a restricted design radio controlled model yacht class with fiberglass hulls made from near identical molds 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. Also, the class wants the newest boat competitive with the 20-year old models, and equally competitive boats from all manufacturers. A stable class organization and a stable Class Rule has allowed this to happen.The EC-12 is approximately 5 ft. length over all, 23 lb displacement, and has a 6 ft. tall mast with approximately 1200 square inches of sail area. As the lead-bellied replica of a full size America's Cup 12-meter, 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 trim to sheets, rudder, and an optional jib boom adjustment called a twitcher.
The heavy displacement full-keel form of the EC-12 differs from most other sanctioned monohull 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. Weeds are not a problem with EC-12's, and they perform well in the light winds we often find near shore. They also are shallower draft than the typical fin keel design, although depth is usually not a concern.