Founded in 1980, the Sonar Class Association is the governing body for Sonar sailing worldwide. In 2000 the class obtained Recognized status with the World Sailing, the international governing body of the sport.
When the Sonar was designed and orders were taken for the first fleet of boats at Noroton Yacht Club, in Darien, Connecticut, the original fleet members recognized a need to create an organization with a Constitution, By-laws and Class Rules that control the growth of the class. Early membership was just a few key people, but these people had a passion for this new and very special boat and their passion spread as new fleets sprang up around North America. Early membership grew at a rapid pace as boats were built. Sonars worldwide now number over 700 with fleets in over six countries.
The Sonar was selected as the three-person Paralympic keelboat beginning in 2000.
Membership in the organization is open to all who own or love to sail on Sonars. Becoming a member is easy, just go to the Membership page of this website where you will find all the information you will need and an online registration form.
Reasons to join the Sonar Class Association
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Sonar starting line
Ensure one-design competition between boats measured by volunteers and certified to be equal
- Coordinate Sonar Events and communicate details to members through the website and email
- Provide representation in US and World Sailing organizations
- Safeguard Class assets (including scales, measurement templates/tools)
- Keep our website running
- Get Sonar specific maintenance and racing tips
- Maintain the value of your Sonar as One-Design racer
- Support member volunteers who organize fleets, set up regattas, publish results, measure boats, and otherwise contribute their time on behalf of all Sonar sailors
Where do my Class dues go:
- Pay an Administrator responsible for collecting membership and royalty tag fees, maintain membership information, administer the website, organize Class meetings, communicate with sailing governing bodies
- Procure and maintain measurement equipment and when needed, ship the equipment to Championship venus
- Hosting sonar.org
- To create this great new website that will highlight the Sonar for current and potential owners