"Eight metre" in class name does not, somewhat confusingly, refer to length of the boat, but product of the formula.

The International Rule was set up in 1907 to replace earlier, simpler handicap system which were often local or at best, national, and often also fairly simple, producing extreme boats which were fast but lightly constructed and impractical.

[1] New, modern eights are still built utilising newest contemporary technologies, at the rate of 1–3 boats per year.

The class has undergone a renaissance which has continued to the day, with many old yachts restored or rebuilt to racing condition, and 8mr competition is once again thriving with 25–35 boats participating annually at the 8mR Worlds.

The Neptune Trophy – All Classics with original deck plan build prior to 1970, wooden spars and Dacron sails[4] 4.