Clipper Marine emerged on the California yachting scene in 1971, founded with a clear vision: to produce a line of innovative, trailerable sailboats. Operating from Santa Ana, California, at 1919 Occidental Street, the company aimed to make sailing more accessible by allowing owners to easily transport their vessels by road, thereby expanding cruising grounds beyond a single home port.
Central to Clipper Marine's identity was its exclusive collaboration with the esteemed British naval architect William Ion Belton Crealock. Born in Westcliff-on-Sea, England, in 1920, William Crealock was already a recognized figure in the yachting world, known for his expertise and prolific design career that spanned offshore sailing yachts. His father, a railway bridge designer, perhaps instilled in him an early appreciation for structural integrity and practical engineering. For Clipper Marine, Crealock conceived a range of fiberglass sailboats from 20 to 32 feet, all designed with the crucial element of trailerability in mind.
History and Evolution
Clipper Marine's operational history, though impactful, was relatively short-lived, spanning from 1971 until 1976. This period, however, marked a significant moment in the evolution of fiberglass sailboat manufacturing. The company capitalized on the growing popularity and efficiency of fiberglass construction, a material that allowed for mass production and durable, low-maintenance hulls. All of Clipper Marine's models were constructed from fiberglass.
The decision to focus entirely on trailerable sailboats was a forward-thinking one. At a time when larger keelboats were typically confined to marinas, Clipper Marine's designs offered unprecedented flexibility. This concept allowed sailors to explore different waterways without the expense of permanent dockage or long-distance deliveries. The range of sizes, extending up to 32 feet, pushed the boundaries of what was considered a "trailerable" boat, showcasing Crealock's ingenuity in balancing performance with practicality.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Clipper Marine's reputation was intrinsically linked to its trailerable design philosophy. Their boats were primarily known for their practicality, allowing owners to easily launch, retrieve, and transport their vessels. This focus meant that while they might not have been outright performance racers, they offered a unique blend of convenience and recreational sailing capability. The designs aimed for ease of handling and maneuverability.
William Crealock, the sole designer for Clipper Marine, brought his extensive knowledge of offshore sailing yachts to this niche. His designs for the company showcased innovative features, such as the Clipper 21's "one-line" uphaul/downhaul system for its kick-up rudder, which simplified handling. While many of Clipper Marine's boats, particularly the smaller models, featured swing keels for easy trailering and shallow-water access, some of the larger models, like the Clipper 26 and Clipper 30, also offered fixed keel options for those desiring more traditional sailing characteristics. The Clipper 26, for example, was noted as a light and high-performing sailboat, offering reasonable stability. The Clipper 21 was also available in a flush deck version, providing different interior and deck layout options for buyers.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Despite its brief tenure, Clipper Marine produced several notable models that became synonymous with the trailerable sailboat market of the era. Among the most significant were:
- Clipper Marine 21: Often referred to as the Clipper Mark 21, this fractional sloop was a popular choice for its compact size and ease of trailering. It cemented the company's identity in the smaller trailerable segment.
- Clipper Marine 23: First built in 1976, this model expanded the line slightly while retaining its core trailerable characteristic.
- Clipper Marine 26: This model balanced a larger interior with trailerability, featuring a displacement of 2,400 lbs and a beam of 8 feet. It was designed to be light and high-performing for its class.
- Clipper Marine 30: Pushing the upper limits of trailerable sailboats, the Clipper Marine 30 was a masthead sloop designed to offer more space and comfort while still being road-transportable. It represented Crealock's ability to create surprisingly large vessels that adhered to the trailerable concept.
- Clipper Marine 1/4 Ton: The company also ventured into the quarter-ton racing scene, producing a 23.58-foot model in 1974.
The legacy of Clipper Marine lies in its pioneering approach to larger trailerable sailboats. While the company itself ceased operations, its boats remain a testament to William Crealock's versatile design philosophy and the enduring appeal of accessible sailing. Many of these vessels continue to be cherished by owners who appreciate their simplicity, ease of use, and the freedom they offer.
The Builder Today
The original Clipper Marine corporation, based in California and known for its William Crealock-designed trailerable sailboats, is no longer in business. Its brief but impactful run ended in 1976.
It is important for marine enthusiasts to note that there is a distinct and active company named "Clipper Marine" operating today, but it is entirely separate from the historical American builder. This contemporary Clipper Marine, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Southampton, United Kingdom, is a prominent dealership for Bavaria Yachts across the UK and Spain. This modern entity has no direct historical or business connection to the William Crealock-designed boats of the 1970s.
The legacy of the original Clipper Marine lives on through the sturdy fiberglass hulls and clever designs crafted by William Crealock, boats that continue to introduce new generations to the joys of trailerable sailing.
