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For
Immediate Release
ew
York
-- October 11, 2006, the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) recently
celebrated the launching of the first NYYC 42, the ninth
one-design class created by the club since 1900. Some 200
members and guests took part in the festivities at the NYYC’s
Harbour
Court clubhouse in Newport, RI – many of whom sailed
aboard the boat.
The
boat is designed by Frers and built by Nautor’s Swan. Its
introduction was unparalleled: 35 boats sold within the first
six months—25 to members.
Christening of the NYYC 42 on
October 7, 2006. Copyright free.
Credit Michael Levitt/NYYC. Click
photo for high-res. version.
The concept was for a Corinthian
one-design multipurpose yacht that will be very competitive as
a one-design racer but also under IRC. The
yacht will be capable of
racing and cruising locally as well as offshore. NYYC
Rear Commodore David K. Elwell Jr., who spearheaded the
project, said the boat is “one answer to the growing concern
by Corinthian owners about the domination of professionals in
the sport.”
Credit Dan Nerney/Nautor's Swan.
The
NYYC 42—known as the “Club Swan 42” outside the club—is a
powerful, state-of-the-art yacht, showing a high-aspect-ratio
rig and T- keel. The LOA is 42.6 feet, the LWL is 37
feet, beam 12 feet, sail area 1,175 square feet and
displacement is less than 13,986 lbs., of which 48 percent is
ballast.
The
NYYC 42 features two steering wheels, providing a better
steering ratio and better feel; two accommodation plans are
offered: a two- or three-cabin version.
Keeping
costs down—initially and over time—has been another
consideration. To that end, boats will have an initial order
of seven sails: a main, three spinnakers and three headsails.
No more than three replacement sails are allowed each year,
according to class rules. Further, while up to two
professionals can race on a boat, they can’t steer and can’t
be compensated for sailing on the boat.
Others
working on the project include Chris Bulger, class president,
Gibbs Kane, Sandy Vietor and Paul Zabetakis. Mick Harvey, who
built several America's Cup
yachts for Dennis Conner, is project manager.
Nautor’s
Swan built a full-scale mock-up of the interior, including
wood members that correspond to the ceiling height. This was
helpful in determining the best use of available space.
Building a full-scale mock-up is almost unheard of in a yacht
of this size.
The legendary yacht designer
Nathanael Herreshoff, an honorary member of the NYYC, designed
the Newport-30 class in 1896. Members who had seen or sailed
in these Newport 30s went to "Cap'n
Nat," and in 1900 came the first of these classes: the NY70, to be followed by the famous NY30s in
1905. (In 2005, this class celebrated its 100th
Anniversary Regatta at the club’s Harbour Court
facility. Seven of the 18-total yachts built made
an appearance.) The
NY57s came about in 1907, the 50s in 1913 and the popular 40s
in 1916 (24 were built). In 1935, Olin Stephens, a member of
the club since 1930, designed the NY32. Twenty three were
built, and they were a very popular class in their day. In
1980, a group turned to Naval Architect Bill Cook who drew the
lines of the NY36. Sixty were built. Three years before came
the NY40 -- of which 21 were built. It remained a popular
class at the New York Yacht Club for more than 25
years.
The
first NYYC 42 went to the Cahoots Syndicate—a longtime
partnership of NYYC Commodore George R. Hinman Jr., Rear
Commodore Elwell, Richard Werdiger and Donald Elliman. Like
the previous yachts it was named Conspiracy.
Next summer, the
NYYC will host the first NYYC 42 Nationals, where 20 boats are
expected to compete. |
