Shields Information, Review, Specs

Combining the design prowess of Sparkman & Stephens with the enduring build quality of Cape Cod Shipbuilding, the Shields offers a classic sailing experience that appeals to racing enthusiasts and those seeking a stable, responsive keelboat. Its continued production by Cape Cod Shipbuilding underscores its timeless appeal and enduring design.

History and Design

The genesis of the Shields class dates back to 1962, when Cornelius Shields, a prominent advocate for one-design sailing, sought a fiberglass replacement for the wooden International One-Design. He commissioned Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens, a naval architecture firm synonymous with performance and elegance, to design a new keelboat that would uphold the competitive spirit and close-quarters racing of the IOD, while benefiting from modern construction materials. Sparkman & Stephens, known for their ability to blend speed with seaworthiness, designed the Shields as a fractional sloop (S&S design #1720), emphasizing its role as a dedicated racing platform.

Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co., with its century-long legacy of traditional craftsmanship and pioneering fiberglass innovation, was chosen as the builder. During this era, Cape Cod Shipbuilding, under the leadership of E.L. Goodwin, was at the forefront of fiberglass boat manufacturing, known for its robust, durable construction and a proprietary method for bonding hull and deck into a single, strong unit. This commitment to "first-rate construction" ensured that the Shields would be built to last, a hallmark of the builder's philosophy that even Goodwin himself noted led to boats that didn't deteriorate enough for quick replacements. The first production run began in 1962, with a memo from Les Goodwin of Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co. outlining instructions to the shop. Over 220 units of the Shields have been built, with production continuing to this day by Cape Cod Shipbuilding, indicating the enduring nature of its design. While the class maintains strict one-design rules to ensure competitive racing, there is no widely documented history of significant variations (e.g., MkI vs. MkII) in the core design during its production run, underscoring its consistency as a one-design class.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Shields is designed for spirited performance, particularly as a one-design racer, and its specifications reflect this purpose. With a length overall of just over 30 feet and a waterline length of 20 feet, she combines classic aesthetics with a hull form capable of engaging performance.

Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.97 indicates a boat that is relatively powerful for its weight. This high ratio suggests the Shields is well-powered and capable of performing admirably in lighter air conditions, allowing it to accelerate quickly and maintain momentum. The boat's Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands out at an impressive 0.67, meaning 67% of its total displacement is in its lead keel. This exceptionally high ballast ratio contributes significantly to the boat's stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to a strong breeze without excessive heeling and providing a stable platform for close-quarters racing. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 256.7 places the Shields in the moderately heavy category for its waterline. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly hull form that, combined with the high ballast ratio, results in a boat that feels substantial and tracks well through the water, rather than being a lightweight, twitchy dinghy.

Anecdotal reports from sailors frequently praise the Shields for its excellent handling characteristics and stability, making it a favored choice for sailing instruction. Owners and racers describe the Shields as a boat that provides a "finest one-design sailboat ever produced" sailing experience. Its design ensures that boats from every decade remain competitive, highlighting its balanced and consistent performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed for racing, the Shields offers a surprisingly functional, albeit minimalist, interior suitable for day sailing and short overnights, consistent with its one-design keelboat classification. Given its narrow beam of 6.42 feet, the interior is focused on efficiency and utility rather than spacious cruising comfort.

The interior layout typically features a V-berth forward, which provides sleeping accommodations for two. A small head area is usually situated just aft of the V-berth. The main salon often consists of opposing settees, offering seating and additional sleeping berths, though standing headroom is not a primary feature, as is common in dedicated racers of this size and era. Storage is typically limited to under-berth lockers and small shelves. The finish quality generally reflects Cape Cod Shipbuilding's reputation for robust, no-nonsense construction, often featuring simple fiberglass liners with some wood trim accents. Ventilation is usually provided by an overhead hatch and possibly small portlights. The cockpit, while spacious for crew during racing, is noted by some owners as lacking self-bailing capabilities, which is a consideration for long-term mooring.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Shields sailboats consistently express high regard for the class, often highlighting its enduring quality and engaging sailing characteristics. A frequently praised aspect is the boat's solid construction, a testament to Cape Cod Shipbuilding's build ethos, which ensures the boats hold up well over decades of use. Many owners appreciate the Shields as an excellent instructional boat due to its stability and responsive handling, making it ideal for introducing new sailors to keelboat sailing.

The strong one-design class association and active fleets are also significant advantages, fostering a vibrant racing community and ensuring that the boats remain competitive regardless of their age. Owners find the Shields to be a "beautiful S&S sailboat" that handles well in various wind and sea conditions.

Regarding common concerns, a recurring point mentioned by some owners is the lack of a self-bailing cockpit, which can be a maintenance consideration. Additionally, for older boats, the original masts may eventually require replacement, with some schools and owners noting that this cost can be significant relative to the boat's value. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the Shields' legacy as a well-designed, well-built, and highly enjoyable one-design keelboat.