Sea Spray September 1951

Leander R Class

Dear Sir,

I was surprised to see the amount of space devoted in the July issue to an overseas class which offers so little in comparison to an already established local class, the Leander R Class. I refer, of course to the article on National 12's, which occupied about 4 pages. The following is a comparison of the major points of each class.

Design: The R's are completely free in hull design, whereas the 12's labour under a midship restriction, the same as the X Class and International 14's.

Sails: The R's are allowed 110 sq ft of working sails, plus extras of 100 sq ft, whereas the 12's are allowed about 105sq ft, but are not allowed any extras.

Construction: The 12's must be Clinker construction. The normal strip planking of an R is easier for amateurs to build, more economical in material, boat for boat (wood comes in 12ft and 14ft lengths), and produces a better looking and faster hull.

Centreboards: The 12's are limited to a flat metal swing board. The R's are not restricted, and generally have a streamlined dagger board, which is lighter, cheaper, and more efficient. Furthermore, the case does not occupy as much cockpit room.

Weight: The 12's must be 190 lbs for the bare stripped hull. This is about 80 lbs heavier than an average modern R Class, which, owing to the carvel construction would still be more rigid. The 12's must add to this a metal plate in addition to gear common to both types.

Rig: The 12's are again hampered by restrictions, and are not even allowed revolving masts which are almost standard on R's, and which certainly must improve rig efficiency.

Value: A racing boat's value depends on two main conditions, the most important of which is success in racing. The second is the finish, workmanship and condition of hull, gear and sails. On these points both classes have much the same score. It is when one considers value in a general purpose boat that the R's score. Owing to its lighter weight and generally more stable shape, even in the fastest hulls, the R is more suitable for knock-about purposes than the National 12, which, owing to its lesser need of sail carrying power and its heavier weight, has developed into an easily driven and consequently unstable hull.

To sum up, I would say that an R Class is cheaper to build all round - with the exception of the cost of a spinnaker - and who likes drifting downhill without one? - and is a faster and livelier hull.

Must we always follow and copy others? Why not exercise our own brains and skill, and develop a boat that is really suitable for N.Z. yachtsmen, and the conditions under which they sail?

Christchurch

Clifford Papps