Sigma Class Information.
Sigma 38 Class History
In 1985 the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the Royal Thames Yacht Club agreed to sponsor a new One Design Class for inshore and offshore racing and commissioned top yacht designers, including Rob Humphries, Stephen Jones and David Thomas. The designers put forward proposals to some of the top yachtsmen of the day and the decision was made to adopt the design of David Thomas who had already designed the successful Sigma 33.
Built by Marine Projects in Plymouth with a sail wardrobe from North Sails the Sigma 38 became extremely popular, costing around £60,000 pounds plus VAT. Marine Projects built a total of 124 yachts with the last Sigma 38 leaving the factory in 1993.
Large fleets were established in Scotland, Ireland, on the East Coast and particularly on the South Coast. The Sigma 38 Class Association was established in 1988. Many changes, including introducing new sail makers, have been introduced to the rules to maintain the competitive nature of the fleet.
Royal Patronage
The class has enjoyed Royal Patronage with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh sailing on Yeoman XXVIII at Cowes Week for many years both with the first owner Sir Owen Aisher and in the latter years with David Aisher. King Constantine of Greece and Prince Edward also have taken the helm of Yeoman XXVIII during Cowes Week.
Racing Pedigree
Sigma 38s continue to be the largest one design entry in the Fastnet Race and are regularly the most represented production boat in both RORC and JOG races. In 2005 alone Vitesse won the Fastnet Trophy for best production boat, Festina Lente won the RORC St. Malo Race for Class 3 and Supernatural was first in Class 3 in the De Guingand Bowl Race to Cherbourg. In the Channel Race, Arbitrator achieved first overall, demonstrating that Sigma 38s are more than capable of performing under the IRC rating.
In addition a Sigma 38 looks after her crew in the toughest of conditions. In the 2005 De Guingand Bowl Race in horrendous seas and gale force winds the Sigma 38 performed strongly in contrast to many other boats that retired.
Sigma 38s continue to be well represented at both Cork and Cowes Weeks. Prophet won Cork Week overall in 2002, Supernatural was joint first in 2004, The Project was joint first in the black group for Cowes Week overall in 2005. The results speak for themselves!
Although the Sigma 38 was designed in the late 80s it’s racing pedigree speaks for itself. An active class association ensures there is a year round nail biting one design racing programme. Imagine lining up on the start line with at least 10 other identical yachts – it is far more rewarding and competitive than handicap racing with fewer excuses for not doing well!
Cruising
The Sigma 38 is equally at home as a cruising yacht. The imaginative design provides spacious accommodation for up to 10. The high structural build quality gives confidence to even the un-committed sailor. Many families regularly enjoy idyllic cruises in northern France, on the west coast of Ireland and Scotland. Some 38s have crossed the Atlantic to cruise in warmer climes. In 2005 Steamy Windows returned to the Hamble from a round the world cruise!
Racing Results (some of the more notable results)
Aspiration (ex-Yeoman XXVIII, Beefeater of St Helier)
Sigma 38 hull number 022 built 1988
1st 2007 Cowes Week Sigma 38 Class
3rd 2007 Sigma 38 Grand Championships
3rd 2007 Sigma 38 Inshore Championships
5th 2005 Cowes Week Sigma 38 Class
1st 1999 Hamble Winter Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st 1999 Warsash Spring Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st 1998 Hamble Winter Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st 1998 Warsash Spring Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st 1998 RORC Skagen Cup to Copenhagen
1st 1998 Hamble Winter Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st1997 RORC Guingand Bowl
1st 1997 RORC Cervantes Trophy
1st 1997 Sigma 38 National Championships
1st 1997 Warsash Spring Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st 1997 The Silver Sails Trophy
1st 1997 Royal Ocean Racing Club Juliette Offshore Trophy
1st 1995 Hamble Winter Series Champagne Nicolas Feuillate Plate
1st 1993 Inshore Series 'The Joker Trophy'
1st 1991 Royal Ocean Racing Club Juliette Offshore Trophy