In this issue, I am going to review two small classic designs. One, the Chesapeake 32, is from 1960, the CCA era, and the other, the Sea Sprite 30, was designed in 1982, well after the CCA was replaced by the IOR.
SEA SPRITE 30
Ironically, the Sea Sprite looks to have far more CCA influence in its design than it does IOR influence. If I had guessed, I would have said the Sea Sprite is a CCA design. To jog your memory: The CCA rule was used to handicap boats so that big boats could compete against smaller boats. CCA stands for Cruising Club of America, and this handicap rule was dominant in the US up until the mid ’60s when the IOR became the handicap rule that was used on both sides of the Atlantic.
In general, CCA boats were wholesome, moderate designs that combined a comfortable interior with a performance hull and rig suited to the rule. They made great family boats. These two boats are very East Coast designs from East Coast design offices. I’m not sure I have ever seen either of them on the West Coast.
The SEA SPRITE is a Bill Luders design. Luders produced a lot of designs but was also a very successful boat builder specializing in high-end custom boats, including America’s Cup 12-meter boats. I’m not sure, but I don’t think Bill Luders was actually the hand that drew the Luders designs. I know my old Pal Ted Brewer worked for Luders during the time the Luders office produced the design for the 12-meter AMERICAN EAGLE. Most likely, Bill Luders had a design staff that he directed in the design process. This is not uncommon with big design firms like the S&S and Rhodes offices.
The SEA SPRITE 30 has what I would call a “modified full keel”. The forefoot of the hull is distinct and gracefully morphs into the leading edge of the low-aspect-ratio keel. There’s a lot of wetted surface to this form, and that hurts in light air. This brings me to my friend Dale, aka John Sparrow on Facebook, broker at Integrity Yachts in Maryland.
