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Since owning such a boat usually remains a dream, we console ourselves with the thought that – maintenance apart – they’re not really practical in any event. Those sleek hulls with their shapely overhangs tend to be wet, cramped, and dark down below. hat’s more, with their gaff rigs on top and long keels underneath, they sometimes lack the windward efficiency of our computer-designed and tank-tested modern cruisers. The sight of a classic yacht under sail is one that evokes an emotional response in most of us usually a mixture of admiration, longing and awe. Admiration because of the owner’s obvious dedication to maintaining and preserving his piece of maritime history; longing because we’d all love to do the same given the skill, patience and time; and awe because we know that we’d need a good deal of all three to do the job properly. Since owning such a boat usually remains a dream, we console our selves with the thought that maintenance apart – they’re not really practical in any event. Those sleek hulls with their shapely overhangs tend to be wet, cramped, and dark down below. What’s more, with their gaff rings on top and long keels underneath, they sometimes lack the windward efficiency of our computer-designed and tank-tested modern cruisers. Since age and idiosyncrasy often go together, those who buy and restore genuine classics tend to accept a few foibles – but isn’t someone who chooses to have a new yacht built in the style of one from a bygone era making an enormous sacrifice? It will have a warmth and character not found in most of today’s mass-produced offerings, to be sure, but at what cost in terms of speed, spaciousness and handling qualities? Well, a decade or two ago you might have had to be a dedicated purist to pursue such a dream. Now, though, and increasing number of designers are turning their hands to the creation of classic-looking craft capable of giving modern production cruisers a run for their money. At the same time, building techniques are becoming more refined while the range of fittings, sail cloth and cordage combining traditional looks with modern functionality is continuing to expand. Without a doubt, the need to compromise in the creation of a modern classic is less than it used to be |
