Great seaboats and their designers
A few of the names that describe the parts of a wooden boat, here in cross section. Note the timber is of less thickness than a frame - boats might have timbers between frames - but each side of the vessel would be symmetrical. The diagram also shows a plate floor and a bracket floor [...]
Of all the design offices to rise to prominence in the 20th century, Sparkman & Stephens must rank near the top. From cruising yachts to America’s Cup 12 metres (with an unsurpassed record of six winners), the iconic S & S name ruled supreme. Brothers Olin and Rod made their mark in 1931 when their [...]
The first in the series of Nardi's Nods began with the fine lines and legendary seakeeping of the Nicholson 32. The magic of a wooden boat will always stay with us, never to be substituted by the technology, comfort or performance of a modern sailboat. Yet to transform a dream into reality is a privilege [...]
Alpa 9.50 “What I like most about the 9.50 is that she is seaworthy and fast and she sails herself which just does not happen with modern boats” Nardi's Nods – By Federico Nardi of Cantiere Navale Dell Argentario. Translated by James Robinson Taylor This excellent modern classic design comes from the Alpa Yard of [...]
“It was blowing hard... she was elegantly slipping along, with soft lightness through the short Baltic chop" Nardi's Nods – By Federico Nardi of Cantiere Navale Dell Argentario. Translated by James Robinson Taylor Years ago during a race series in Sandhamn, one of the many islands off Stockholm, a boat crossed to leeward of us. [...]
Sea kindliness and the ability to sail close to the wind in a blow are just two great attributes of this large-hearted yacht Nardi's Nods – By Federico Nardi of Cantiere Navale Dell Argentario. Translated by James Robinson Taylor Of all the Sparkman and Stephens production yachts, the S&S 34 has become the most celebrated [...]
"The firstborn of a highly rated family and the perfect boat to use year-round in any weather... a pure pleasure to sail” Nardi's Nods – By Federico Nardi of Cantiere Navale Dell Argentario. Translated by James Robinson Taylor Thanks to Pekka Koskenkila’s youthful enthusiasm, the first Swan was created in 1966. His fascinating and enjoyable [...]
Built for ocean races – which gives extra confidence when you sail with the family Nardi's Nods – By Federico Nardi of Cantiere Navale Dell Argentario. Translated by James Robinson Taylor With the IW 31 I would like to dispel the cliché that older boats do not perform well in light airs. Designed by S&S [...]
Five sailors are rescued after the keel falls off their yacht when she turns turtle while sailing in the Canary Islands. Yacht Tyger of London, a Comet 45S lost her mast and inverted in 30 seconds after broaching in F6 winds. One female crew member is temporarily trapped underneath the yacht by her safety harness. [...]
