In 1911 Morgan Giles designed a 12ft 6in One-Design centre board dinghy for the Blackwater Sailing Club, West Mersea, Essex.
The philosophy behind the design was that the majority of these small boats would be owned by those who used them as tenders to their cruising yachts, and in designing them it was necessary to bear in mind that speed under canvas was of less importance than general utility, there being no intention to race the boats except against each other.
The dimensions were:
Length Overall – 12ft 6in
Beam – 4ft 10in
Draft with centreboard – 3ft 9in
Draft of hull – 6in
Sail area – 90sq ft
The specification called for silver spruce planking with a cedar topstrake, mahogany fittings and gunmetal fittings throughout. The centre-plate weighed ½ cwt and was easily removable. All spars were capable of being stowed inboard and the boats were easily converted in a few minutes to an ordinary yacht’s tender.
Morgan Giles used this design for sales to the general public at a cost of £20 each complete with all gear, oars etc.
(Text and image courtesy of The Morgan Giles Heritage Collection)
