The Footy is not a boat per se, but rather a basic design for a 12 inch radio-controlled model yacht that has been interpreted and tinkered with by artisans from at least thirteen countries. There isn't one set of plans, one kit or one sail-ready model, but several cunning versions: an embarrassment of riches for the novice sailor. In the jargon of model sailing, the Footy is a "developmental class" of model racing yachts that must conform to a modest set of design rules. What isn't prohibited by these rules is "legal." And unique to the Footy is the requirement that the hull (body) and keel (the extension on the bottom of the boat that keeps it from rolling over) must fit into an "open-topped rectangular" box measuring 12" long x 12" deep x 6" wide! Compare the Footy design rules schematic at the right with the work of seven Footy craftsmen below.

The rules governing the Footy design are the work of an international contingent of model yacht artisans, the Footy Class Association. The official text of the rules is available at their web site, FOOTY Class R/C Sailboat: RULES. The Association also maintains a list of national Footy Registrars. Registration is required for competition in sanctioned national and regional Footy regattas.

A complete introduction to the Footy Class and its designers is provided in the Summer 2008 American Model Yacht Association (AMYA) Model Yachting magazine. It may be ordered through the AMYA Ship's Store and is available to nonmembers. The Footy is an AMYA recognized class of model yacht, making Footys eligible to compete in AMYA sanctioned races.

A brief history of the Footy is available at the Wikipedia article Footy (Model Yacht).

Where to find plans, kits and sail-ready models is suggested on our SOURCES page. If you choose to build your own Footy, good advice and mentoring is available through the online model sailing discussion groups and from members and publications of model yacht clubs. Links to these resources are available at our HOW-TO page. When you're ready to launch your Footy, these same model yacht associations will provide venues for both casual and competitive sailing along with instruction in sailing and the rules of racing (see our LAUNCH page).