Celebrating 87 Years of Iconic Wooden Racing
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A Joy to Sail
The Yankee One-Design (YOD) class was created by a 1937 design competition seeking to create the ultimate high performance, light displacement sailboat.
The contest's design criteria stipulated that the boat perform well in all conditions--from the light airs of Marblehead to the robust winds of Buzzards Bay.
Legendary naval designer Starling Burgess won the YOD competition with a design that is a joy to sail in any weather.
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A Rare Classic
About forty boats were built for New England yacht clubs to race against each other in fleets (teams) of about six each.
The fleets of Yankees were sold to families in 1956 when the clubs switched to fiberglass racing designs.
Treasured by generations of sailors, the ten remaining Yankees are now scattered across the United States, France, Australia, and New Zealand. They remain highly competive in handicap races and classic woodie regattas.
Deep Dive into YODs:
YOD Sailboat Roster:
Learn about individual YODs, their histories, and where they are today.
Forum:
Engage with fellow enthusiasts—discuss mystery boats, share restoration projects, and swap maintenance tips.
Photo Gallery:
Dive into our extensive collection of YOD images, from construction to racing glory.
Contact Us:
Reach out with your questions, stories, or to find out how you can get involved.
About the YOD Owners Association:
Discover more about the YOD class, its origins, and the people keeping the legacy alive.
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Why Sail a YOD?
Balanced and Responsive:
Experience the joy of a helm that’s both responsive and perfectly balanced.
Thrives in Heavy Weather
Designed to handle challenging conditions with ease, offering both thrill and safety.
A Spiritual Connection
Embrace the timeless allure of wooden boat sailing, where tradition meets adventure.
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The Legacy of Starling Burgess
Learn about the genius of Starling Burgess, the mastermind behind the YOD and other America’s Cup designs. Dive into the intriguing backstory of the 1937 design competition, where Burgess secretly crafted the winning design that would become the Yankee One-Design.
Wooden Boat Magazine Issue #221.
Yankee One-Design Specifications
Length 30′ 6″
Beam 6′ 6″
Waterline 24′
Draft 4′ 6″
Sail Area 312 sq ft
Displacement 4,775 lbs
Lead Keel 2550 lbs