The ISO was designed in 1993 by Ian Howlett and John Caig and manufactured by Reg White Limited of Brightlingsea as part of the "White Formula" range of boats originally marketed by Topper International Ltd and since 2013 by Vantage Sailing Ltd.[3] The boat has a fully battened mainsail, jib and an asymmetric spinnaker.
The name ISO reflects a feature of the design that allows different sized crews to compete on an equal basis.
This is achieved by a crew weight equalisation system consisting of removable wings.
If neither of these mandatory rules apply the crew may choose whether or not to use wings but may not change this decision during a race series.
The ISO is designed to be a relatively easy boat to sail for its performance level.