Used Classic Boat: Six ‘Classic’ masterpieces of the late 1960s from 9.7 to 15.2 meters
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Having reached episode 45 of this series aimed at reenacting the great Classic Boats that populate the so-called ‘second-hand market’ today, now comes the turn of six great little gems, six true masterpieces launched in the second half of the 1960s. Among them, certainly, some well-known names. Others, perhaps less so. And don’t be surprised if the Arpège is missing, we want to think of it as taken for granted by now, cult hull par excellence…
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Used Classic Boat: Six ‘Classic’ masterpieces of the late 1960s from 9.7 to 15.2 meters
The panorama concerning the Classic Boats -that is, production boats over 25 years old and launched since 1967-. is a vast and ever-expanding context, composed of hulls of all shapes and sizes and, perhaps, not as easily “navigable” as one would often like. In light of this, in addition to the Classic Boat Club and to our information sections, we have created a series of articles, aimed at exploring some exceptional hulls, projects fundamental to the evolution of boating (you can find each article, 40+, at the bottom of this one). In this specific case, as announced, it is the turn to look at 6 great Classic Boats, iconic designs from the late 1960s.
COLUMBIA 50
specs: Columbia Yachts; 15.24 x 3.67 m; 1965; Bill Tripp
Let us start with an exception. As with any rule, there does indeed happen to be the specific case where, with due discretion, it is necessary to break what has been established. And the Columbia 50 undoubtedly falls at this juncture. Designed by the great American designer, Bill Tripp, the Columbia 50 is indeed a legendary hull among what was produced by the overseas shipbuilding industry in the mid-1960s. Innovative and forward-thinking, it was one of the first designs to adopt fiberglass for series construction, thus opening the door to a small American revolution. Conceived for the classic yachtsman of the day (the stereotypical mogul from America’s Northeast coast, to create the image), it was a hull designed to combine the pleasures of family sailing with those of racing, strictly to be contained in a ‘package’ that was not only sleek, but in turn, high-performance. And this, the Columbia 50, knew how to be from day 1. As many as 65 were built and, of these, most are still sailing, boasting palmares, moreover, that are nothing short of astounding…
SWAN 36
specs: Nautor Swan; 10.89 x 2.96 m; 1967; Sparkman & Stephens
Coming in second anagraphically on this list is a legendary hull. It is the Swan 36, project #1710 by Sparkman & Stephens and the first Swan ever. In brava, the milestone with which a now iconic adventure begins. Produced from 1967 to 1970 in as many as 90 examples, the Swan 36 is a classic sloop of the late 1960s, particularly narrow at the maximum beam and characterized by significant soaring. The deckhouse, still raised, sets it apart from the yard’s typical production to which we are accustomed (post-1971), rooting it fully in the period, to which, however, it already brings innovation, including a keel that is no longer long and a rudder separated from it. In short, an absolute cult of the yard, as well as a great sailing classic.
SWAN 43
specs: Nautor Swan; 13.04 x 3.56 m; 1967; Sparkman & Stephens
Project #1973 by the Sparkman & Stephens firm and the second hull produced by Nautor Swan (1967-1972), the Swan 43 is simply one of the most beautiful boats ever designed, a small-big masterpiece worth no less than 67 examples. Arguably, it does not deserve the name of most iconic Swan, but it is undoubtedly an emblematic hull, the last of an era and a precursor of what was to come. With deep soaring lines, a stunning stern to say the least, and an already abundant beam, not only is she a most elegant boat, but she sails like a charm, and with that hint of a deckhouse, she already winks at a flush trend that only with the Swan 48 (1971) would fully establish itself. If one loves classic boats, it is hard not to want her. The deck is simply breathtaking.
ALPA 12.70
specs: alpa; 12.65 x 3.48 m; 1969; Sparkman & Stephens
Often billed as ‘the Italian Swan 43,’ the alpa 12.70 is actually a distinct creation, a project in its own right, the #1998 by Studio Sparkman & Stephens. It is true, however, that it shares something with the 43: the size is not particularly dissimilar, the lines certainly are mindful of it, and, undoubtedly, the 12.70 is also an iconic hull to say the least, as well as a great performer of her time. But the genesis is totally different. In fact, a small syndicate of shipowners approached alpa for an exceptional performance cruiser and, they did not miss the mark, delivering an exceptional offshorer, one of the best hulls of the period. Sleek and seaworthy, it was produced in just 15 examples and, built above all standards, is a masterpiece on every front. Noteworthy are the 4 “short deckhouse” examples, a Holy Grail signed alpa.
MISTRESS 32
specs: Hallberg Rassy; 9.70 x 2.84 m; 1969; Olle Enderlein
Not only is she an unusual Hallberg Rassy, but she is also an exception to what was, even at that time, the yard’s bluewater trend. With the Mistress 32, in fact, one is confronted with a hull that is not only elegant and more than pleasant, but also designed to be a good performer between the buoys, despite the cruising-friendly interior trim. In short, one is confronted with an exceptional Half Tonner, still narrow at the beam and strong with deep soaring, typical of the ‘classic’ 1960s design. In a very short time, she became a resounding success: as many as 110 launched in just five years, a resounding masterpiece by Olle Enderlein.
S&S 34 / IMPALA 35
specs: Winfield & Partners / Shipyard 71; 10.45 x 3.08 m; 1969; Sparkman & Stephens
Project #1959 by New York studio S&S, this 10.4-meter is a little myth. Initially produced as S&S 34 by Winfield & Partners, and later also as Impala 35 by Shipyard 71, she is a masterpiece in miniature, a performance cruiser ante litteram, but timeless-and not for nothing also a Sydney – Hobart winner. A pure example of sleek and harmonious lines, she is a small icon of the period.
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