Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs:

Specific FAQs:

Is there a national IC class?

No. The IC class is a “loose confederation of fleets”. Competition at the nationals is governed by the IC Technical Committee which meets once a year to discuss class issues and rules. Fleets generally govern themselves and do what they want. Rochester, NY has an IC fleet that sails single-handed.

How do you spell the name?

Is the class name Interclub, InterClub, Inter-Club or even IC ? The original Sparkman & Stephens design information has it listed as INTER-CLUB which makes sense since it was designed to be raced between clubs. However, it is most often referred to as Interclub or IC (certainly not to be confused with the International Canoe). But as you can see, even we’re not  very consistent. Sticking with the nature of the class, it’s pretty much anything goes, so call it whatever you like.

How many InterClubs have been built?

We’re not really sure, but probably well over 700. The new builder started numbering at 800 for convenience and designation. Vanguard stopped making InterClubs somewhere in the 780’s (I think). Vanguard also skipped about 15 numbers when they began building in the early 700’s.

How many InterClubs are now actively sailed?

Probably around 200. Fleet sizes vary over the years depending on local expansion/contraction. The New York area has the largest concentration of boats with Larchmont having the largest fleet, followed by the Boston area and Annapolis. These numbers are all unconfirmed estimates.

What is the competitive life of an IC?

Depends on the builder and how its taken care of. Fifty year old wooden InterClubs still win big events (Tim Healy won the ’98 IC Midwinters in a woody – IC #33). Well cared for O’Day’s at over 30 years old are very fast also.

Why is the IC only sailed in the winter?

The InterClub was originally developed as a frosotbite class at Larchmont YC. Because the boat is sailed in most other classes’ “off season” the InterClub boat attracts a very eclectic group of people from many different classes and ability levels. See the article in the November “Sailing World” on Stanley Bell of LYC, who is one of the original promoters of the class and was one of the driving force behind the group at LYC.

Where can I find a used InterClub for sale?

Used InterClubs are growing scarce. Almost all the current fleets are growing making it more difficult to find used boats. Additionally, most fleets don’t want to lose their small supply of good used boats, so they don’t advertise them regularly. The trick to finding a good used boat is to call around and check local listings. Many boats are found in areas where there is a dead or inactive fleet (Essex, Marblehead or around Newport). These are probably the best places to look since the boats are usually de-valued and the owner just wants it out of his yard or garage.

How much do I have to spend for a decent used IC?

The prices vary. The best deals are found near dead fleets. The Annapolis fleet purchased 2 O’Day’s in excellent condition for around $1,000 each. Both these boats could have sold for hundreds more if they were located near an active fleet. Typically, the growing scarcity of used boats keeps the prices relatively high (compared with something like a Penguin). A good used IC usually sells for about $2,000. Boats that need substantial work may sell for $500. Be careful of these, you may end up putting more time and money into the boat over the long term. In general, if you are like most people these days, and your free time (working on boat time) is limited, it will be worth it to pay a little more for a boat that is “tricked out and ready to go”. Don’t squabble over a few hundred bucks, you’ll loose it in time if you have to do much work on your boat. Know what you are getting into!

Is there an owners/builders manual?

Interclubs are like children, no two are the same. Even if a number of boats came from a manufacturer, over the years they changed how they were rigged. Also, owners have altered them with various “innovations”. Therefore, there is no “right” way to rig the boat as long as you stay within the Class rules. Jesse Falsone has written a reasonably standard a set of basic rigging instructions that is at least a starting place for new IC owners.

Sheesh, only one sail and it’s sooo slow?

Interclubs are deceptive boats to sail. They are easy to sail, but hard to sail well due to the cat rig and the location of the centerboard to balance the rig (raked forward). This makes the boat very easy to stall and go sideways. See Geoff Moore’s article on The IC and Balance. The crew plays a very significant role in balancing the boat both from hiking and fore/aft. So while they do  not have a sail to trim (other than keeping the boom out downwind), they are a key ingredient to a successful program. Sure, they are slow, but that is their charm; they are very tactical and very small differences in boatspeed make the difference. No planing here. And one sail? It is winter after all and only one sail makes it easy to wear heavy gloves!

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