The Mini12 is a one-design displacement hull model sailing yacht. For those familiar with model yacht sailing, the Mini-12 looks like a scaled down version of an East Coast 12 (EC12).
The boat is made of fiberglass, is 45 inches length long, with a
draft of 8 1/2", and has a minimum weight of 16 lbs. The single wooden
mast carries two sails with a combined sail area of 592 sq. in. The
boat is controlled through a 2 channel radio. Effective remote control
at distances of up to 300 - 400 yards is exercised through a servo that
moves the rudder and a sail winch or sailarm servo.
Mini12s are sailed for
pleasure in many locations in central Canada. They are raced
competitively in fleets located in Montreal, Ottawa, Belleville, and
Toronto. A unique feature of the boat is the displacement hull form
with a long keel and rudder tucked well in behind the keel, allowing
weeds to slide past the boat and not foul the keel or rudder, as is the
case with designs that use fin and bulb keels and spade rudders. The
boat is also relatively heavy and develops momentum which can carry her
through marine growth. These characteristics make the Mini12 ideal for
sailing in urban settings or any area where weeds develop during the
sailing season.