Here you can see a so called balanced rudder that Christer Bath introduced in the class around 1967. The idea was to get easier and more sensitive steering, something it did beautifully. However, in those days we did not have carbon or Kevlar fibre to reinforce the blade, so with too much rudder movement, especially when planing the rudder would break very easily. The only other disadvantage with Christer´s design was that it was virtually impossible to "paddle" yourself into position in a light weather start.

Image on a modern 505 rudder
Designed & manufactured by Larry Tuttle
Waterat Sailing Equipment (dated 2007)

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