The Modern category includes all the boat built after 1990. The lines of the hull have been stretch to their maximum, the keel has become very small and includes a trimmer, a must to create a higher lift. The rudder has a larger surface to compensate that reduced of the keel. This is a new balance between theese two appendices.
The carbon mast is a must.
But the rules of construction and design are exactly the same as those applied to the Evolution or the Classic fleet !
Why 1990 ? A major breakthrough took place on that year when Chlika-Chlika SUI-169 hit the water in Geneva. Designed by Sébastien Schmidt and Philippe Meier, this boat was the symbol of a radical change in conception and approach. The hull had a different shape, the keel had winglets and a trimmer, every detail had been checked and optimised. With different crews Chlika-Chlika won many world and swiss championships.

(Right: Artémis XI SUI-205 is the latest construction from C. Wilke based on a design by S. Schmidt. Flensburg 2001)
(Below: Chlika-Chlika pictured in 1990 sailing on lake Geneva, Switzerland. A new approach in boat design)

Doug Peterson also designed some of the best boat of the 90's. Doug made only two designs. The first for Melges to replace an aging Lexcen/Muir design and the other was for Henrik Dahlman. The Melges built boats won everything from 1993 to 98. All 6 World championships and Gold Cups!

Candida III GER-39 owned by Jens Cornelsen is a Peterson design, 6 or 7 similar boats where built by Melges boatyard in Zenda.(Picture: Robbe&Berking 2002)