Definition

There are events

We do qualify for and some we do not, Nicholson 36, with GRP hull and wooden decks etc. have seen smaller Contessa included. Cheers
 
Well Classic Boat thought my Heard 28 with GRP hull was classic enough.
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Then there are Twisters, Composite and all GRP. Contessas, Nic 31,32,35.
Lots of beautiful boats which are classics and have some GRP be it the hull or the entire boat.
 
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This has been debated endlessly both in the "classic" boat magazines and on these fora. There is no universal definition as it depends very much on who is using the term and why they are using it. Some (particularly event organisers) have their own very specific definition to include only certain boats, others use it more widely, often to ensure that either their own boat or ones that they admire are included. Then you can used the term with adjectives such as "modern" or even "Truly" - the latter then becomes a brand for very expensive and exclusive boats that are new but look like old (and therefore "classic") boats. Incidentally you can have them built in GRP, wood, aluminium or steel! Or, if you are really rich and want to be even more exclusive you can avoid such overused terms and create your own term such as Spirit of Tradition which helps keep others in their place.

There is exactly the same problem of definition in the car and motorbike field for the same reasons. It will only get more complex as time moves on and there are more just "old" things that need elevated status so get redefined as classic by a new generation of people who prefer the past to the present.

BTW worth looking at the dictionary definition then you will see why the word (which has nothing to do with yachts, or cars) was hijacked to signify that some boats are different (and therefore better) particularly, but not exclusively if they are also old and would often have been considered ordinary when new.
 
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Well Classic Boat thought my Heard 28 with GRP hull was classic enough.
ca266de0642c2df8c5f1d4dedc1e96f8_zpsf5e2b41b.jpg


Then there are Twisters, Composite and all GRP. Contessas, Nic 31,32,35.
Lots of beautiful boats which are classics and have some GRP be it the hull or the entire boat.

Yeah, but that was back in 2004. Would not qualify now in Classic Boat magazine as it is not an unffordable superyacht total rebuild of a lovely yacht racing on the med or Caribbean circuit.
 
The definitions that I have given before is that if lots of folk admire your boat, but immediately tell you half a dozen reasons why they could not be bothered with owning such a boat, you probably have a classic.

However, best advice is not to care what other folk think or define but just enjoy owning the boat that you own.
 
Yeah, but that was back in 2004. Would not qualify now in Classic Boat magazine as it is not an unffordable superyacht total rebuild of a lovely yacht racing on the med or Caribbean circuit.

Sad but true. A certain ex-Fleet St reporter recently e'd me about doing a piece on Marihona in CB, I was initially flattered on behalf of the yacht but, on brief reflection, didn't feel her face would fit..let alone mine!
 

Classic (dare I say it) example of using the term to only accept boats the event organisers approve of. Would allow some pretty awful old boats in, being primarily age and build material based, but exclude many boats that are newer or of different material but otherwise comparable with the sort they approve of. Note also Spirit of Tradition can be allowed in - money talks!
 
I don't think it matters a lot but when it comes to organised events there has to be some age criteria or it can look like a trip around your local marina. A bit like a classic car rally when the BMW owners club turns up

If folk want a wooden boat event, that's what they can call it and keep all others at bay. It they want gaffers, same thing. If they want Nicholsons, same again.

On the other hand if a Classic boat event is mooted you expect to see all comers. That's what I like best, a good mix of boats maybe 25 plus years old. That's how it works with ald motorbikes; interesting thought that the Honda Fireblade will qualify for Vintage Motor Cycle Club classic events in a couple of years.
 
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