Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

The Allure of Timber - Sail-World.com USA newsletter

29/04/2025


The Allure of Timber

Switch One Design

Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

XOD racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine


Dear Recipient Name

In these days of exotic materials, high modulus carbon and ultra lightweight construction, it's possible to overlook the longevity, and sheer beauty, of boats made of wood.

The oldest boat ever found, a Pesse canoe, constructed during the early Mesolithic period approximately ten thousand years ago, was discovered in 1955 and is now in the Drents Museum in the Netherlands. Made of Scots pine, it shows just how long lasting wood can be!

Last week Sail-World.com's Australian editor John Curnow wrote 'Make me smile even wider and brighter', which was a follow-up to 'Make me smile', looking at Concord and Ryde Sailing Club and the Making Waves Foundation's Wright Of Passage which both promote learning the skills to build boats in wood, and how this has been the starting point for careers in the marine industry. It's impossible not to smile when you read the stories, and in the same way I find myself breaking into a beaming grin when I take a look at wooden yachts under construction or seeing a new boat launched.

P30 in build - photo © Mark Jardine
P30 in build - photo © Mark Jardine

 
A+T Instruments BFD 2024 MPU   Seldén Mast U.S. Online Store
 

Similarly, whenever I have a chat (and bacon butty) with our eminent dinghy historian Dougal Henshall, the enthusiasm he has when talking about the great wooden dinghy builders, such as Jack Chippendale, means the smile is there. Passion, art and sport combine to make something of sheer beauty, which is designed to be admired and loved, just as much as raced.

Thankfully the past couple of months have provided ample opportunity to delve into the world of wooden boatbuilding. In March I went to visit Spirit Yachts at their yard in Ipswich to see how they construct yachts and powerboats, combining traditional and modern methods to make some of the most beautiful boats you'll see out on the water.

A classic skylight under construction - photo © Mark Jardine
A classic skylight under construction - photo © Mark Jardine

The skills and techniques displayed by the team, especially their master craftsmen, are a sight to behold. I must have spent fifteen minutes discussing the use of a particular hinge on a coachroof skylight, and how the recessed cavity it sits in needs to be pre-epoxied to prevent water ingress. It was the perfect example of a modern fitting being used on a traditional design so that the function of the object didn't disturb the lines of the form. The understanding of the woodworking skills necessary, combined with the environment the yacht would be in, and then the passion to research how modern fittings could improve classic designs was incredible.

I particularly liked the way Spirit Yachts aren't sticking doggedly to how things had always been done. They are looking to add modern twists all time, and know full well that a traditional design can be improved upon. Look under the waterline and you won't see the long keel with rudder at the end, but instead it's a thoroughly modern hull shape with fin and bulb keel. When out racing a few of my sailing mates have referred to Spirits as 'wolves in sheep's clothing', as their performance may not be obvious at first glance. Don't be fooled by the gleaming varnish - these are racing yachts and are often sailed hard.

A Spirit Yacht is modern under the waterline - photo © Mark Jardine
A Spirit Yacht is modern under the waterline - photo © Mark Jardine

 
MySail 2025   Marskeel 2019 600x500
 

This past weekend I attended a rare event in the X One Design class: the launch of a new boat. It has been 18 years since the last new X was launched, and X195 has been a project that long in the making. The XOD class holds a special place in my heart as I have a lot of family history in it, and I still find it extraordinary that a centenary event in a class where only 202 boats had been built (noting some have been lost to fire, storm, neglect and war) attracted 145 to a single startline during Cowes Week 2011. Some of the boats are antiques, but were being raced at times like they were go-karts, albeit much, much slower.

XOD racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine
XOD racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine

Originally designed by Alfred Westmacott in 1909, the first class racing took place in August 1911 in Southampton Water and ten boats were built before the outbreak of the First World War.

X195 has been named 'Turtle' and is actually the ninth XOD of Jonathan Clark (back in 2020 he wrote about his passion for the class and how he's sailed 19 of them). Jonathan was drawn into the class when he noticed how owners keep their boats for years on end. He was fascinated as to how each sail slightly differently, with some being easier to tack, while others having turns of speed in certain conditions, but overall the racing is incredibly tight.

Jonathan Clark's new XOD 'Turtle' racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine
Jonathan Clark's new XOD 'Turtle' racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine

 
Exposure Marine   Maritimo 2023 S-Series MPU
 

The XOD has stood the test of time when classes around them get designed, become the next big thing, then fall away. Attendances at the big events wax and wane, but the club fleets - mainly Itchenor, Hamble, Lymington and Parkstone, with a few in Cowes and Yarmouth - remain as strong as ever.

Jonathan's passion came shining through during the launch event, and my video interview with him will be posted shortly. He was adamant the reason he finished the boat build was 'for the class', but I think he's addicted to the boats.

XOD racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine
XOD racing at Lymington on Saturday - photo © Mark Jardine

 
Sea Sure 2025   Vaikobi 2024 December
 

Despite the almost complete lack of wind on Saturday they attempted to race, but after 15 minutes it had to be cancelled. A number of great sailors were in the fleet, including John Tremlett, who has won more titles at Cowes Week than I can count, and world champion Ben McGrane. Even America's Cup journalist Magnus Wheatley popped his head up from inside one of the boats to say hi, and then promptly wrote about how good the class was. The XOD continues to attract the best.

Wooden boats do take a bit more effort to look after, and they aren't as lightweight as fibreglass or carbon yachts, but there is a fair chance that they'll still be around when more modern designs are forgotten about. There is an allure to wooden boats which pulls on emotions that other construction methods don't, and a strong place for them in our wonderful pastime.

Jonathan Clark's new XOD 'Turtle' - photo © Mark Jardine
Jonathan Clark's new XOD 'Turtle' - photo © Mark Jardine

Some will regard this as me harping on about a bygone era, but I know my words will resonate with many. I enjoy watching and participating in sailing on just about any type of boat, and love seeing a new out-and-out carbon racing machine just as much, but wooden boats definitely bring me a certain smile.

Mark Jardine
Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com Managing Editor

 
X-Yachts MPU 2   Switch One Design
 
 
Barton Marine 2019 600x500   Palm Beach Motor Yachts
 


Catch up with the Diam 24OD Class this Spring
As the World Diam Tour Caribbean season hits its stride under the Saint-Martin sun — with the Diam 24ods putting on a great show at the Heineken Regatta — the action is also under way back in France.

Rooster Strengthens Clubs, Classes & Organisations Partnerships for 2025 Season
Rooster Sailing Ltd is proud to announce the continuation and expansion of several key partnerships for the 2025 season, along with the addition of a new collaboration with one of the UK's most iconic sailing clubs.

Jesberg Wins Etchells Orca Bowl, Busch/Madden Win Etchells West Coast Spring Series
The Orca Bowl wrapped up the 2025 Etchells West Coast Spring Series on April 26-27 with a 5-race regatta sailed by 33 teams on the ocean course off of Point Loma in San Diego, CA.

 
Race Yachts 2025 v1   North Sails Loft 57 Podcast
 
Maxime Mesnil wins Ficker Cup, field complete for 60th Congressional Cup
After a weekend of fierce competition, the field is set for this week's 60th annual Congressional Cup. Maxime Mesnil (FRA) won the Ficker Cup, but it is Nicole Breault (USA) and Peter Wickwire (CAN) who have advanced to the main field.

Tight margins define racing on day two of Antigua Sailing Week - Marina Resort Women's Race Day
Varied conditions tested teams at Antigua Sailing Week today across a range of wind strengths, with the big boats enjoying adrenaline-pumping speeds of 20 knots in the stronger gusts.

La Larga crowns the winners of its fifth edition
The Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) has brought the fifth edition of La Larga to a close, marking the official start of the 21st Sandberg PalmaVela.

 
Colligo Marine   Cyclops 2024 Smartlink2 atto
 
US Sailing announces new scholarship fund to support sailors' growth and development
In an effort to make sailing more accessible and inclusive, US Sailing is proud to announce the launch of the US Sailing Scholarship Fund.

A look inside the Spirit yard and what makes their yachts unique
Traditional skills in boatbuilding could be regarded as a lost art from a bygone era. In the world of fibreglass and carbon, the joinery and laminating techniques of wood ribs and cedar strips are a thing of the past.

American Magic Quantum Racing Ready for 2025 52 Super Series Season Opener
The 2025 52 SUPER SERIES season gets under way this week in Saint-Tropez, and American Magic Quantum Racing returns to the starting line with a fully unified sailing team that merges the two racing programs under one name.

 
RS Sailing 2021 - MPU   Allen 2022 - PSH Cam Cleat MPU
 
Transat Paprec Day 9 - The Westward Conquest
As the second week of competition begins on the Transat Paprec, a new race has started. After passing the La Palma waypoint during the night from Saturday to Sunday, the duos are now making rapid progress towards the Caribbean.

Love and mutual support will be the key as Alegre anticipate start to 2025 52 Super Series season
First to launch a new 2024 generation boat, sistership to Platoon Aviation, they had a solid season - fifth overall just 7 points behind Sled - but are still trying to get back to finishing on regatta podiums as they last did in Puerto Portals in 2023.

It's So Easy to Shop for Winning Sails Online
Shop North One Design sails online anytime for fast delivery, in-stock availability, and podium-ready results. Don't wait, your next win starts here.

 
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic Range   Rooster 2025
 
Sail Port Stephens: "little Zen" carries the day while "big Zen" heads for Admirals' Cup
For the third time in just five years, Zen has emerged victorious as the IRC NSW Champion—this time aboard the iconic Farr 40, affectionately dubbed “little Zen.” With big Zen en route to the UK for this year's prestigious Admiral's Cup campaign.

Doyle Sails naming partner of Round North Island Two-Handed Yacht Race 2026.
The Shorthanded Sailing Association of New Zealand (SSANZ) and Doyle Sails are delighted to announce Doyle Sails as the major partner for the Doyle Sails Round North Island Two-Handed Yacht Race 2026.

Tight racing and fun on shore at Antigua Race Week - English Harbour Rum Race Day
The opening day of the main Antigua Sailing Week series served up glorious sailing conditions for nine classes racing in 12-16 knot tradewinds.

 
May 2024 MPU   Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025
 
'Trifork' wins La Larga line honours
At 16:54 today, the VO70 "Trifork" from Real Club Náutico de Palma, skippered by Joern Larsen, crossed the finish line of La Larga after sailing 228 miles in 24 hours and 34 minutes.

VDRY Jackets and Vests - Stay dry, stay adventurous!
If you need protection from the elements without overheating, rely on Vaikobi's VDRY range of jackets and vests.

2025 J/70 US Mixed Plus National Championship at Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle - Preview
The J/70 is the biggest and fastest growing sailboat racing class in the world. The Pacific Northwest has one of the biggest and the fastest growing J/70 fleets in North America.

 
KZRaceFurlers   C-Tech 2020 Tubes 300x250
 
Peters & May Round Antigua Race: Roy Disney's Pyewacket 70 takes line honours
Two very different yachts proved to be almost perfectly matched for much of today's challenging and memorable edition of this classic 50-mile course.

Register for the International Optimist Regatta, TOTE Clinic, and TOTE Team Race
Register now for the 32nd International Optimist Regatta (IOR), TOTE Clinic, and TOTE Team Race, June 9-15, 2025.

56th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères - Overall
The final day of the 56th edition of French Olympic Week saw Italy join China at the top of the medal table as they won a medal of every colour across the six Medal Races after China's exploits on Friday.

 
Coast Guard Foundation 2023 MPU   Lloyd Stevenson - Catalyst Yacht Tender 600x500px
 
52 Super Series Saint-Tropez Sailing Week 2025 - Sled looking to avoid 2024's late season slide
Fourth overall last season, 2024 and fourth also on 2022's final standings, fifth in 2023 Takashi Okura's USA flagged Sled team start 2025 looking to find the small percentage gains here and there.

Smarter at the Dock, Safer at Sea - How Upgrades Are Changing Cruising
The service being offered by yacht manufacturers leaps forward every year - responding to a market which demands the highest quality in every aspect.

2025 O'pen Skiff North American "Un-Regatta at Pensacola Yacht Club
More than seventy junior sailors from as far as Switzerland traveled to Pensacola Yacht Club to experience the O'pen Skiff "Un-Regatta" vibe.

 
Armstrong 300x250 MA Foil Range   Doyle_SailWorld_300x250px_cruise
 
Transatlantic Race 2025: A North Atlantic adventure like no other
The Transatlantic Race 2025 from the East Coast of the United States to the shores of the United Kingdom stands as one of sailing's most time-honored and demanding challenges.

"We set out to make the World's Best Yacht Instruments"
Globally recognised yacht instruments company A+T Instruments is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year after a decade of successful growth by pushing the boundaries of quality and customer service.

Is the Côte d'Azure set to deal a dose of déjà vu when 52 SUPER SERIES 2025 season opens next week?
Teams from the 52 SUPER SERIES, the world's leading grand prix monohull circuit, have been hard at work through the winter and spring preparing for the 2025 season, technical updates giving way recently to on the water training.

 
PredictWind - Routing 300x250   Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design
 
SVG Junior Sailing Week 2025: A Spectacular Celebration of Youth, Sportsmanship and Island Spirit
When Minister Carlos James called on the SVG Sailing Association to help deliver SVG Junior Sailing Week 2025, the response was clear, and the results were outstanding.

Be a Dynamic Team
The right clothing brings so much to a sailing campaign. It unites the team, helps improve performance, and engenders loyalty to the yacht. Quite simply, it can be a game-changer - a performance upgrade for the boat.

GWA Wingfoil World Tour FreeFly-Slalom at Mondial du Vent 2025
The iconic Mondial du Vent returned to La Franqui, Leucate, for six action-packed days of wind, waves, and wingfoiling.

 
SW Newsletter Sign-Up   Mackay Boats 300x250
 
Matosinhos-Porto Fly-By completes the route for The Ocean Race Europe and reaffirms joint commitment
The Fly-By, during the second leg of the European race, will bring The Ocean Race back to Portugal with a strong focus to mobilise action for ocean health.

Why the RS Zest is the Ultimate Choice for Sailing Training
Innovation is the driving force behind RS Sailing's designs. The RS Zest was designed with one purpose in mind: to make learn-to-sail programs more effective, enjoyable, and accessible.

2025 GL52 Southern Series wrap-up
The City of Pensacola and the GL52 Fleet share overlapping missions to establish a world-class yacht racing destination while promoting and developing American sailing talent.

MarsKeel Brings History Back to Life with a Custom Keel for SY Doris, first built in 1905
The keel of any yacht is more than ballast. It's one of the foundations of stability, and safety. But what happens when that foundation is missing entirely? That was the challenge posed by the full rebuilding of SY Doris.

The 18ft Skiff 'Big Boat Era'
We are all familiar with the modern 18 footers as they speed across Sydney Harbour with their carbon fibre hulls and lightweight state-of-the-art sails and spars but they a vastly different to the original 18 footers.

2025 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Overall
The 36th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta came to a successful close on Monday with tasty cream teas, fiercely competitive gig racing and the prize-giving ceremony in the historic 18th century Nelson's Dockyard.

Exposure Marine adds three unique RAW range products for enhanced night sailing
Unique to the sailing world, these latest products feature red light designed to optimise night vision. They have all been developed to meet World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations for safety.

MySail 2025

Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTER

This email was sent to the.recipients@email.address by YY Online Services Ltd.
Towngate House, 2-8 Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PW
Registered in England No. 7895890

Our records show that you signed up to receive news from us on 1 January 2000

Please do not reply to this message as this address cannot receive replies.

You can unsubscribe at any time or email us here if you encounter any difficulties
Sea Sure 2025Switch One DesignArmstrong 728x90 - Wing FG Board Range - BOTTOM