History and Information on the CR-914
by Chuck Winder former class secretary
In 1851 the first America's Cup race was sailed around the Isle
of Wight in England. For 132 years the United States successfully defended every challenge for the coveted "one hundred guinea cup". It was in 1983, at the 26th America's Cup Regatta, that an Australian team first wrested the cup from the Americans, who then recaptured the trophy in 1987. New Zealand won the Cup in 1995 and took it back “Down-Under”.The America's Cup has truly become the world's foremost yacht race. It is currently campaigned using the high-tech 75-foot long boats defined by the International America's Cup Class rule (IACC).
The Cup Racer 914 is a 1/25-scale model of the IACC boat, and will put the world of sailing excitement at your command. The CR-914 is a strict one-design model boat first recognized by the AMYA in 1994. It is a fast growing active fleet with over 560 boats registered by both non-AMYA and AMYA members in January 2000. (May of 2002, over 1000 boats are registered with the class) Over 3000 CR-914's have been sold in the US to date.
The main reasons for its popularity and growth are simple:
 | It's easy to build; the hull and deck are cast as one piece. |
| The keel blade and lead bulb are pre-shaped. |
| The rudder is shaped and cast with the shaft installed. |
| Two piece aluminum mast. |
| Excellent sailing performance in a wide wind range. |
| The boat has quick acceleration and exceptional maneuverability. |
| It's a handsome display at home on its cradle. |
| Last but not least, it is Low cost. |
The CR-914 is 3 feet long (914mm), 5 feet high and its minimum weight is 6 lbs-4 oz. It is one of the smaller yachts recognized by the AMYA. It is easily stored and transported without the need to breakdown mast and rigging. The CR 914 kit is the probably the most complete kit available in the country.
Everything required to build the kit is included: Hull, mast, rigging, sails, all fittings, radio, glue and comprehensive instructions. Paint is required if other than a white boat is desired. Only twelve AA sized batteries are needed to go sailing.
The US distributor is Chesapeake Performance Model Yachts whose website offers photos that aid in building the kit. The boat is not available from the manufacturer. They also offer a very attractive wall mounting kit to esthetically display the yacht indoors. Chesapeake Performance Model Yachts sells CR-914 kits as well as spare parts. They can provide beautifully built CR 914’s with custom painting. They supply CR 914 with custom graphics for many of the America's Cup syndicates. These have detailed painted hulls with all logos as well as the custom graphics. A builder’s page is offered for construction tips and hints.
The CR-914 is also available from the following agents of Chesapeake Performance Model Yachts:
AMYA Suppliers listing pages, search for CR-914 to see all listed suppliers, check the extended listing also.
Contact the Current Class sec. DIck Martin to register your boat or find any CR-914 sailors in your area.
List of CR-914 Clubs and Groups