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Modeled after the International One Design and named after Cornelius Shields, who commissioned designer Olin Stephens in 1963, the Shields is a 30-foot narrow-beamed keelboat with a classic look. Sailing is well-balanced and not overly athletic for the racing crew of four or five; the sail area is large, but hiking straps are not allowed. The class rules are strict in order to ensure fair competition, and old hulls can race and win. Spinnakers are permitted. With over 250 Shields boats built by 1988, the boat remains in production at Cape Cod Shipbuilding. There are approximately twenty fleets active in the U.S., most in the Northeast or California. For more information, read the Shields Wikipedia article.