Swampscott One-Design Dory Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Swampscott One-Design Dory begins in 1915, born from a desire for spirited one-design racing on the Great Lakes. The Detroit Yacht Club played a pivotal role, commissioning the design to create a level playing field for competition. George L. Chaisson, based in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and the founder of Chaisson Boat Builders, was entrusted with this task. Chaisson, active from 1909 to 1954, was celebrated for his comprehensive approach to boat design and construction, preferring to design his own vessels rather than relying on external naval architects. His philosophy centered on practicality and robust, traditional wooden construction, a hallmark evident in his various small craft, particularly his dories.

The first five Swampscott One-Design Dories were constructed by Chaisson himself at his Swampscott yard. The design draws inspiration from the broader class of Swampscott dories, which evolved from sturdy inshore fishing boats into more refined recreational and racing vessels, prized for their speed under oar and sail compared to their Grand Banks counterparts. Chaisson’s design adapted these principles, crafting a light yet strong wooden hull with a fin keel, optimized for the demands of one-design racing. The specified gaffhead sloop rig provided a powerful and easily managed sail plan, fitting the era's racing trends.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 21 feet and a slender 6-foot beam, the Swampscott One-Design Dory was engineered for nimble performance. Weighing in at a light 1100 pounds, her design, featuring a fin keel and spade rudder, points to a boat intended to be responsive and lively on the racecourse. The reported sail area of 216 square feet for a boat of this size suggests good performance in light to moderate conditions, allowing for quick acceleration and maneuverability.

Historically, Swampscott dories were favored for their superior speed and responsiveness compared to heavier dory types. This One-Design variant would have capitalized on these inherent characteristics, offering a spirited sailing experience. Its relatively shallow 3-foot maximum draft, combined with a lead ballast of 300 pounds, suggests a design optimized for inland lake racing, allowing for access to shallower waters while still providing enough stability for competitive sailing. Sailors would likely find her to be a quick and exciting boat to handle, responding well to trim adjustments and helm input.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its purpose as a racing dory from the early 20th century, the Swampscott One-Design Dory offers minimal, if any, enclosed accommodations. Given its 21-foot length and lightweight, open-cockpit design, the focus would have been entirely on sailing performance and crew efficiency. The boat would feature an open interior, likely with simple thwarts for seating and standing room for handling the gaff rig. Any storage would be limited to small, open cubbies for essential gear, reflecting its role as a day racer rather than a cruising vessel. The absence of reported maximum headroom further confirms its spartan, performance-oriented layout.