Sea Spray July 1951

Dear Sir,

On reading the letter signed "Onlooker," I must say I agree with his very constructive criticism. New Zealand has sufficent classes, 10ft to 14ft size, and the improvement of these classes would be much better than creating another to wrangle over. Our trouble in recent years has been loose plans, regulations, etc. I would like to mention one class as an instance, the Idle Along. I think it completely misses the main feature in yachting, "A Joy to Sail," owing to exceptionally wrong balance. I think, as "Onlooker," that improvements to our existing classes would be a better line to follow, than experiment with freaks.

Sir, I hope others will state their ideas re new classes versus improvements, etc.

CANTERBURY YACHTSMAN

Dear Sir,

I wish to express here my views of the leander R Class. I have no wish to start any controversy or create any ill-feeling, but I would like to criticize and clarify some remarks passed by "Onlooker" in the May, 1951, issue of Sea Spray.

Firstly, the rules of the Class do not allow boats to be built outside of New Zealand. This is contrary to a belief held by "Onlooker."

Secondly, the rules state the "extra" sails may be carried off-the-wind and leading. This is written in to prevent "extra" sails being used to windward, and as "Onlooker" suggests that it is not practical to use a spinnaker (a flat-cut one) to windward, I would suggest that he makes a point of studying the Takapuna class because these boats of similar size to the "R" Class carried spinnakers on-the-wind in the 1951 Cornwell Cup contest, as well as other big events.

As for the criticism of "Finger-tip steering," I would point out that this is all that is required in a "Frostbite." Furthermore, the balance of the boat is not controlled by "R" Class rules, and if "Onlooker" ever decides to allow himself the honour of owning an "R" Class racer, he could have one with so much weather helm that he would need both hands to control her.

At this juncture, I will point out that Uffa Fox, L. Francis Herreshoff, and "Sea Spray" magazine have referred to boat speeds in M.P.H. (and not knots!).

"Onlooker" suggests that the Y.R.A. dinghy rules would be a good model from which to form the restrictions, but I would point out that the Leander "R" Class rules are not as open as those set out for the Y.R.A. classes. The "R" Class dinghies built last year were actually in advance of the Y.R.A. dinghies in rig and hull form, and it might be of interest to note that an "R" Class dinghy (12ft. 9ins. long) can be built lighter (and therefor faster) than a boat of similar size to a Y.R.A. formula would ever be allowed. The remark that our National classes were "a deplorable bunch of butter boxes" amused me, because if "Onlooker" was again to study the original N.Z. "butter box" class (the Takapuna class) he would find there a boat as fast as any other 12ft. 6ins. cat-rig class boat anywhere else in the world.

Last season the National "Frostbite" contest was sailed by only four ports, and I would like to point out that boats to conform with the Leander "R" Class rules are now being built, or have been built, in the following ports: Lyttelton, Christchurch, Timaru, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland.

Hoping that this letter helps point out the fact that the Leander "R" Class now provides for N.Z. yachtsmen a much wanted opportunity to use ones own ideas and skill.

I remain, etc.,
HAL H. WAGSTAFF
Tauranga

The Editor,
Dear Sir,

In reply to Onlooker's ill-informed letter, I have a few comments to make.

"Onlooker" suggests that the Class, which is about 15 years old, will develop "freak" boats. Just what he means I do not quite know, unless it is "unorthodox." Now, the International 14 is governed by length, minimum beam, rise of floor, sail area and weight rules. It must also be open and of a certain depth, but these do not greatly affect hull design, and so far they have not produced "freaks" although the rise of the floor rule is reflected in the lines.

The "R" Class, except for the rise of floor and weight rules, is governed in exactly the same manner, so why ot should develop on "freakish" lines I am at a loss to see. There will undoubtedly be different hull designs tried, but did not Uffa Fox build Radiant and Daring, two entirely different boats, but still good boats.

The next criticism is that of money and professional builders. "Onlooker" suggests he could import plans of a boat to outclass all present boats. Why does he suppose a designer, who does not have first hand knowledge of the Class, can out-design New Zealand designers? He then supposes, evidently not having read the rules, he can import a finished hull - to what advantage? The amateur builder in New Zealand can turn out a first class job, and I doubt if an overseas firm could compete satisfactorily, even with moulded plywood. Then he has the idea that he, in such a boat, could beat the rest of the fleet. Has he ever watched "Z's" or "Idles" racing, and noticed the time differences in near enough to identical hulls due entirely to handling?

With regard to Spinnakers the rule states "Spinnakers must not be used tacking to windward." But for this rule it would be possible to use a specially cut flat spinnaker on an "R" Class to windward.

In reply to the criticism of "finger-tip steering," all I can say is, it is a matter of taste, and that "Onlooker" has yet to learn that lack of weather helm does not necessarily make a responsive boat. As he has apparently never sailed an "R" Class, I can understand his doubts as to speeds attained, but as "Z's" have been timed at 14 knots and "R's" have no difficulty showing them a clean pair of heels, I believe that under favourable circumstances they will even exceed the speed given.

As far as becoming obsolete is concerned, while a better design is faster, the wind, sea and rule do not alter, so a good boat is good a long time. Vivid (G. Andrews) is 9 years old and still tops in certain weather, while Nimrod (W. Webb) was champion for 4 years, in point of fact until she was laid up, when the owners retired. What restricted hull design class (such as "X" Class) can claim as much? The main difference between the old and new boats is the reduction of weight in the new boats. I agree with "Onlooker" that our National Classes are not exactly moder, but I do not think that we need to copy overseas classes. The International 14ft. is open, and as pumps are barred, this class would have no hope , with a 2 man crew, of racing successfully in some of the weather we encounter in Lyttelton. Even in England the P.O.W. Cup had to be postponed on account of the weather last year. The Rockets and Merlins, being decked, are a sounder proposition, but can any sailmaker here cut such high aspect sails to set well for any time? As for the Pennant Class and National 12's I see nothing marvellous in a 12ft. "R" type dinghy beating what is apparently a motley collection of boats who do not generally exceed 11ft. Incidentally, a well-known local skipper built an "Uffa King" and compared it with about the second rate "R" Class. Finally, I think that design requirements of the English and New Zealand centre boarders are quite different.

The last question of cost is, perhaps, the most important. Hull materials cost about £15, Rigging spars and fittings of stainless about £10, and Sails about £30. These costs are not underestimated, in point of fact Frantic cost us considerably less, and I doubt if Internationals and Merlins can compare. For the experimentally minded yachtsman who is not discouraged with the first wrong idea he tries, this is a good class. It is a keen competitive class in which ability to sail a boat will count for more than it does in most of our National classes, as it is obvious that a finely balanced boat requires more skill and attention to keep going at its best, than does a powerful craft.

I agree that unbeatable restrictions are necessary, and that a good deal of class trouble has been caused through incomplete rules, but I fail to see how anyone can beat the "R" Class rules. To my idea they offer more than any other class in New Zealand - low cost, light weight, seaworthiness, speed and perfect handling, and above all freedom from restrictions of construction and design. If "Onlooker" can offer more in any class I will be pleased to hear from him.

PETER MANDER
Christchurch

The Editor,
Dear Sir,

It is a pity that "Onlooker" did not first obtain the full official specifications of the Leander "R" Class before jumping to unreasonable conclusions. The "R" Class specifications are carefully drawn up to keep the class to the general lines of the round bilge, planked dinghy, and at the same time leave the builder of designer free scope to improve these lines and test his own ideas.

For many years Canterbury yachtsmen have been racing this Class, for two particular Cups are competed for annually. Every year a few more have been built and "Onlooker" will be pleased to hear that none are "freaks." The Leander "R" Class specifications have now officially defined the few restrictions and method of measuring, and in addition to the two cup races mentioned above, the class has now inaugurated an Annual National Contest.

Some of "Onlooker's" remarks are very thoughtless, as in point of fact the "R" Class is cheap and easy to build. Moreover, the builder has no worry about his boat being rejected at a contest on account of a small error in measurement of any small part of the boat, as is the case with the "Z" and "I" Classes. Moreover, the specifications of the "R" Class are clear, and there is no room for interpretation or specifications as occurs in the "I" Class. In the "X" Class the restriction in the amidship section has resulted in some "X" Class boats having some very unusual lines. The "R" Class is free of this restriction enabling builders to develop sweeter lines.

"Onlooker" seems to have tremendous respect for overseas designs and apparently does not think there are any capable designers, either amateur or professional, in New Zealand. Well Mr Onlooker, the "R" Class will at least encourage some N.Z. designers to learn the art, and by studying comparative overseas designs, and with the advantage of an intimate knowledge of local conditions, the N.Z. builder and designer will still turn out the best of "R" Class yachts.

I agree with "Onlooker" that in some classes loose regulations involve owners in considerable financial loss. Fortunately our experience with the "R" Class over many years, show that these boats retain high re-sale value whether they win Championships or not.

They are all excellent for Club Handicap racing, light for transport, and when their best racing days are over they still bring good prices for knockabout purposes.

If "Onlooker" cares to apply, I will be happy to forward him a copy of the official specifications.

S A MANDER
Hon. Sec. for the "R" Class Committee

More coming eventually...
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