Ten-Meter Class (1927) Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Ten-Meter Class at Abeking & Rasmussen in 1927 reflects the era's passion for meter-rule racing, where yachts were designed to a complex formula rather than being identical. W. Starling Burgess, a prominent American naval architect whose 8-, 10-, and 12-Meter designs were considered marvels of yachting in the 1920s, penned the lines for this class. Burgess's design philosophy aimed to maximize performance within the stringent parameters of the International Rule, leading to yachts that were both elegant and exceptionally fast.

During this period, Abeking & Rasmussen, established in 1907, had already cultivated a reputation for building vessels of exceptional quality and durability, particularly exquisite wooden yachts. While the shipyard was widely known for its expertise in wood construction, the Ten-Meter Class yachts featured a steel hull and deck, showcasing the yard's versatility in materials even in its early decades. The construction of 14 such vessels underscored their commitment to precision and bespoke yacht building, a hallmark of their "Made in Germany" ethos. 3, 9, Builder Article

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Abeking & Rasmussen Ten-Meter Class was engineered for competitive sailing, a fact evident in its design characteristics and calculated performance ratios. With a length overall of 58.7 feet and a waterline length of 36.0 feet, coupled with a displacement of 28,000 pounds, these yachts were substantial for their class, boasting a theoretical hull speed of 8.04 knots. The fin keel design further enhanced their upwind performance and maneuverability.

Analyzing the design ratios provides insight into their anticipated handling. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) stands at approximately 23.0, a relatively high figure suggesting that the Ten-Meter Class would be responsive and perform well in lighter air conditions, easily driven by its generous sail plan. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of around 267.9 places these boats in the moderately heavy cruiser-racer category. This indicates a robust and stable platform, capable of standing up to a breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway, without being overly sluggish. While the precise ballast weight is not available from the provided specifications, the overall displacement, combined with the fin keel and cutter rig, would have contributed to a stiff and powerful sailing machine. Anecdotal evidence from their racing era, such as the reported "unbeatable" performance of vessels like the 10-Meter Sirius, further attests to their formidable capabilities on the racecourse.

Accommodations and Layout

Given the Ten-Meter Class's primary purpose as a racing yacht built under the International Rule in the 1920s, the interior accommodations would have prioritized functionality and structural integrity over lavish creature comforts typical of modern cruisers. While specific details regarding the interior layout for the Abeking & Rasmussen 1927 models are not readily available, yachts of this vintage and class generally featured relatively spartan yet finely crafted interiors. The design would likely have included essential amenities for short-term cruising or crew rest during regattas. Expect a layout focused on maximizing racing efficiency, with open spaces that could accommodate sail handling and movement below deck. The finish quality, in line with Abeking & Rasmussen's reputation, would have been characterized by durable materials and exceptional joinery, reflecting the shipyard's commitment to craftsmanship in every aspect of the vessel.