The ‘International Rule´ was created at a meeting in London in 1906 by all the leading sailing nations. It gave birth to the so-called `Metre Classes´ which could race internationally without a handicap system. Although the U.S. did not participate at the beginning, the formula became a tremendous success, creating beautiful, comparatively seaworthy yachts of thrilling performance.

100 years later the metre yachts are still very much in vogue: new boats are designed and built, spectacular fleets gather at the start line and their use for cruising is still popular.

The film follows the development of the Rule while taking you aboard some stunning representatives on racetracks from the Baltic to the Mediterranean. Featured yachts include the 19-metre Fife gaff cutter Mariquita to the 6-metres and many others that are still generating great racing into the 21st century.

Filmed by Tom Nitsch

Narrated by Tom Cunliffe