classics

[Johnjo]

In the opinion of the panel,
what constitutes a classic, age, good looks,wood/glass construction,
sailing charatistics or a combination of all, having owned several
boats in my life, none of which I would discribe as classic, I am now
the proud owner of a Sabre 27 which I have owned for the past 4-5 years,
The Sabre is often refered to as a classic,nice sailing boat too,
but would you discribe it as a classic? or just another 1972 plastic boat?
Perhaps it is all in the eyes of the beholder, please not to derogatory
in your comments, remember this is my pride and joy!
Would be interested in your views as to what a classic is, do you consider
yours to be a classic or just another boat?
If this has been discussed before, I apologise.

merry christmas and a happy new year
mike

 

[ccscott49]

Opinions on this question are like arseholes, everybody has one. Mine you don't want to hear.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Along the lines of...

Made more than 20 years ago.
Good lookers, good sailers, good sea boats
Devoted owners
Much admired by others (who are not just being nice to the owner!)
Prices steady or increasing.
Some notable achievements in the class history

 

[bedouin]

I think it depends a bit on context. For example it might be fair to describe something like a Westerly Fulmar as a classic cruising boat, or a Sigma as a classic cruiser/racer while neither would really qualify as classics in their own right (all IMHO of course).

I think the achievements of the class have a lot to do with a more modern design reaching classic status. So I would suggest that the Contessa 32 could claim classic status, while my own boat - which is very similar and as good a boat in all respects, can't really aspire to that title (except of course in my eyes - but then I'm biased).

 

[Mirelle]

Nice old boat?

Mine is just another nice old boat. Bit old fashioned, but that does not make her into a classic.

Classics are designed by Fife, Payne, Nicholson, Herreshoff, Rhodes, Anker, Strange, Giles and such and built by the very best yards.- Fife, Nicholson, Herreshoff, Tucker Brown, Moody, Heidtmann, Nevins and such They are then maintained regardless of expense by wealthy and devoted owners for the rest of us to gawp at.

 

[Guest]

Classic has nothing to do with age or who designed

It can be argued that:
A classic is a concept the first to use or be designed to a totally new concept, the last two be built or designed to a concept and of course the one which shows that concept at its best.
For instance a Westley Centaur is arguably the best small twin keeled cruiser designed, and therefore the design can be classed as a classic. Shamrock was just a failed J Class yacht, although designed and built by a very good designer and builder Charles E and Camper and Nicholson was not a ground-breaking design or the last J not even the best example built so we should not consider her a classic.

Of course the easiest method of defiling what a classic is is probably the neck ache factor a boat that people will stop what they're doing and watch as they go past can be classed as a classic
In this case of course Shamrock is a classic and a Westley Centaur is not

You pays your money and takes your choice

-{)>

 

[Jeremy_W]

Don't leave us in suspense. What design/make is your yacht?

 

[NigeCh]

Two sailaway classics:

1) the original Folkboat and 2) the Valiant 40

What more need be said.

 

[bedouin]

"Bedouin" is a Centurion 32 - a Kim Holman design from the late 60s. Her hull and rig dimensions are virtually identical to the Contessa 32 (a later design) and she has the same virtues and vices but (IMHO) much better build quality.

Collectively you could describe the IOR inspired boats of the time (both the Centurions and Contessas are examples) as 'classic' cruiser/racers it would be hard to claim that the Centurion is a classic class

 

[Gunfleet]

It's easy. I own a classic, you own an old boat. At least, that's how everyone seems to think.

 

[Johnjo]

My own point of view is that some plastic boats look very smart, nice
lines and fine sailing boats, But with the best will in the world I cannot
see them ever being discribed as classics, to me if it aint wood, then it
will never be classed as a classic! nothing finer to watch than a well maintained wood sailing boat, spars, brightwork gleaming with varnish.
fresh paintwork etc. traditional fitout sail serenely by,
But as already been said, its all in the eyes of the beholder!
mike

 

[clyst]

Re: Classic has nothing to do with age or who designed

A Centaur a classic ???? Like owning an Austin Allegro !!!!!
There 's no true defination of a classic bit like "how long is a bit of string?

THanks Mike for giving us this ol' chestnut of a thread ------like giving kids a
painting book on a rainy day-----keeps us occupied.

Cheers all and a 'appy xmas(including Centaur owners)

Terry

 

[chippie]

I always say that being old and for sale tends to get a boat described as a classic , by her owner anyway.

Seasons Greetings

 

[Johnjo]

Re: Classic has nothing to do with age or who designed

Agree with you,
But remember the bangers we use to drive back in the seventies! unless
you had a rich dad, my first car was Ford Zephyr cost me sixty quid, rembember
the front bench seat to this day "good times". Followed by many other six
cylinder cars, All of which are now deemed to be classics, nice to look at
but would you really want one? So to conclude, possibly one day the earlier
G.P.R boats will be regarded as classics in their own right,who knows?

mike

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Classic has nothing to do with age or who designed

You consider the ford zephyr a classic! Now I know your standards!

 

[Johnjo]

Re: Classic has nothing to do with age or who designed

Not really,
But it holds memories I will never forget!
She probably has though.

 

[Johnjo]

Your first car is like you first love, never forgotten!
Now if I could only remember her name.
mike

 

[Gunfleet]

Consul 375. But the girl? No idea. ;-)

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Classic has nothing to do with age or who designed

Those front seats were great, I do remember that!! I had a zodiac!!

 

[Johnjo]

was that the one with a three speed box?
with a knob on the dash that you pulled for the overdrive,
use to freewheel down the hills and reengage when you accelerated?

no I still cannot remember her name either,