So...how exactly do you define "classic"?

[dancrane]

What's the limit? Should there be a limit? Where is the point where the percentage of wood in the overall displacement, opens the door for inclusion and respect, here?

How Mouldy & Auld must a boat be for recognition in the classic & wooden forum, and how Average & White can a boat be without raising disapproving eyebrows?

My Osprey's forty years old, and was designed by Ian Proctor. Classic, surely? No?

 

[dancrane]

Dammit, 'Urricane Jack, you got there first. :livid:

 

[jamie N]

Some might say that if it's got a plastic toilet seat it's a bit too modern mightn't they!
Would a Contessa or British Steel be excluded? MAB's, such as mine are probably mostly included. There's bound to be a definition along the lines of 'It can't be a classic if you're able to sail it more than work on it!'. If there isn't, there is now....

 

[dancrane]

Like it, Jamie. And possibly boats with generous accommodation for their length, can't be classic. I found the layout drawings of what I regard as a true modern classic - from about 40 years back, I think - and one of the most elegantly purposeful yachts I've seen...but not exactly luxurious and voluminous accommodation...

View attachment 41765

...a real beauty to my eyes, just as fine as super-slender gaffers of twice her age. I doubt she carries much wood, but those proportions even make cold glassfibre beautiful.

Can a fin keel be classic? I say definitely.

 

[rustybarge]

Some might say that if it's got a plastic toilet seat it's a bit too modern mightn't they!
Would a Contessa or British Steel be excluded? MAB's, such as mine are probably mostly included. There's bound to be a definition along the lines of 'It can't be a classic if you're able to sail it more than work on it!'. If there isn't, there is now....

Here's a true 'Plastic classic', The 1978 34' Mainship from the states, streets ahead of the boxy British designs of the period.
The first affordable trawler yacht: 160~200hp, 8kts~15kts cruise, 2.5' draft.
the Swift Trawler 34' has copied the lines..........


OK so it's plastic.....:ambivalence:

 

[DJE]

I seem to remember when they had the festival of the sea in Portsmouth they had to keep widening the definition until they had enough "classic yachts" to fill the basin.

 

[dunmor]

to define a classic boat, you have to work on it at least 50 wks of the year, {the other 2 are spent varnishing}
and the owner has to be younger than the boat.!!

 

[LittleSister]

I think most would agree their own boat is a classic, it's all the other ones that are MABs!

 

[lustyd]

It should be old enough to have great grand children but should have none. A classic won't have similar ancestors, look at the Porshe 911 and then the Aston DB5...

 

[1937rogerdon]

A classic is very much down to the design my Vertue11 from the board of L Giles is considered a classic it my not be built of wood,but by many it is considered a Classic. I have owned a wooden Vertue so have had the best of this design.
Now let the argument commence on what is the criteria for a classic.

 

[dancrane]

To define a classic boat...the owner has to be younger than the boat!

Dear me, how invidious for octogenarian yachtsmen, proud of their slightly-younger gaffers...

View attachment 41766

 

[Searush]

SR is a Laurent Giles design & is over 40 years old with a ketch rig that has long ceased to be fashionable. But I still think of her as an MAB rather than a classic.

 

[macnorton]

It should be old enough to have great grand children but should have none. A classic won't have similar ancestors, look at the Porshe 911 and then the Aston DB5...

So is a Project 31 a classic? I think it is!

 

[gordmac]

How does this fit in? 50 year old basic design but new.
http://www.leviboats.com/corsair-classic.php

 

[dancrane]

I'd have been ready to bet the Levi was American. Very desirable I'm sure, but a tad too glossy? Anyway, it belongs in the Motorboats forum.

Oh dear, in spite of this being the "classic & wooden" forum, I've taken that title as meaning "rather the worse for age, and somewhat rough or rotten".

Weird, how I can feel much greater affection & interest for something that I know is well past its best, than for its former self, smart and shiny.

 

[pyrojames]

The classic rating is defined by the number of people who say she looks fabulous multiplied by the number who say they wouldn't want to own it!

 

[Lakesailor]

So is a Project 31 a classic? I think it is!

According to Pryojames formula you are going to be disappointed. Too many not wanting to own it. Not enough thinking it fabulous.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

how exactly do you define "classic"?

QUOTE=dancrane;4719793]What's the limit? Should there be a limit? Where is the point where the percentage of wood in the overall displacement, opens the door for inclusion and respect, here?

How Mouldy & Auld must a boat be for recognition in the classic & wooden forum, and how Average & White can a boat be without raising disapproving eyebrows?

My Osprey's forty years old, and was designed by Ian Proctor. Classic, surely? No?[/QUOTE]

Posted by me elsewhere.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta has the following:



Quote:
CLASSES
All yachts will be divided into
Vintage Class,
Classic Class,
Traditional Class,
Spirit of Tradition Class,
and Tall Ships,
according to year of build and type.
Each class will be divided into groups of similar boats as much as possible.
http://www.antiguaclassics.com/11htm...w_classic.html

Quote:
What is a Classic?

Most of us in the yachting scene know a genuine Classic when we see one. She was built years ago when all yachts were things of beauty and grace with fine lines and acres of canvas.
The survivors of that golden era are unmistakably classic.
But what about other classics?

We’ve all seen fine examples of the craftsmanship of yesteryear carried on in modern vessels like Braveheart, Wild Horses, White Wings, Alejandra, Windrose, Victoria of Strathearn, and Savanna.
All have the fine lines of a classic but are built and rigged using modern techniques and materials. We also must include as classics the wonderful traditional workboats of the past that are now sailing the seas as yachts.

To be eligible for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, all entries should have a full keel, be of moderate to heavy displacement, built of wood or steel, and be of traditional rig and appearance.
Old craft restored using modern materials such as epoxy or glass sheathing, or new craft built along the lines of an old design, are acceptable.
Vessels built of ferro-cement may be accepted if they have a gaff or traditional schooner rig.
Fibreglass yachts must have a long keel with a keel-hung rudder and be a descendant of a wooden hull design.

Yachts not fitting into the above categories may apply in writing with documents, photographs or drawings to support their request for entry in the Spirit of Tradition Class.
All entries unknown to the regatta committee must be accompanied by underwater and rig photographs or drawings, and are subject to approval by the Committee, whose decision is final.
Note the last line in the last quote.

Any additional suggestions or amendments?

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Would you consider this a classic' ?

OR THIS ?

 

[macnorton]

According to Pryojames formula you are going to be disappointed. Too many not wanting to own it. Not enough thinking it fabulous.

All depends on perspective. A few years ago a Huntsman was an old past it wooden mobo, but is it classic now?

I think a well built boat that has nice lines, has a place in marine history and is remembered with fondness by many former owners, is or will be considered a classic weather it has sails/wooden hull or not.