The Hornet is a restricted class meaning that its external hull measurements, sailing weight, sail measurements, and mast dimensions and weights are controlled, but the hull's interior layout, centreboard and rudder have few restrictions.

but, due to large flat panels of GRP being more flexible (or heavier) than marine ply, those were generally not always competitive with the best wooden boats from the likes of Rigden, Gibbens, Cory et al. During the 1970s and early 1980s the class was updated progressively by the adoption of the trapeze, larger sails, and the phased reduction of overall weight limits over several years.

Performance was revolutionised in 1973 by the introduction of No.1782 "Revolution" by Malcolm Goodwin, which was significantly faster than conventional Hornets.

In 2000, a new deck mould was developed, and Speed Sails, and later Bob Hoare, built around 10 new boats in FRP.

[2] The latest sail number is 2190, but the longevity of the class is illustrated by the fact that 20-year-old boats are still winning the championships.