Crescent Information, Review, Specs

The Crescent holds the distinction of being the first and currently oldest fiberglass racing One-Design class in the world, fostering a community of "fanatical" sailors around Detroit's yacht clubs.

The genesis of the Crescent traces back to 1953 as a personal endeavor by Richard Hill, originating from his garage. Hill meticulously crafted the initial mold from plaster, using an existing wooden, hard-chined racing sloop as his plug. He utilized a resin product called Vibrin, which was a nascent material not yet widely available in large quantities. After constructing a handful of vessels for friends, Hill transferred production to Customflex in Toledo, Ohio, sometime in the mid-1960s. Under Customflex's stewardship, a new mold was created, and additional boats were produced until the class's official production end in 1974.

Customflex, founded by Vince DiMaio in 1964, quickly established a reputation for its commitment to precision and quality in fiberglass construction, a perfect fit for the repeatable and durable hulls required by one-design racing classes. This ethos ensured that the Crescent, built with a fiberglass-wood composite hull and deck, maintained consistency crucial for fair competition. During its production run, there were notable design variations, with original Crescents based on a "Westport hull" and later models transitioning to a new hull design, indicating an evolution in its construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 24-foot fractional sloop with a fin keel, the Customflex Crescent was designed to offer a balanced experience between racing prowess and cruising comfort. With a length overall of 24.0 feet and a waterline length of 18.5 feet, it possesses a modest size. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.76 knots, suggesting a lively performance for its dimensions. The fin keel design, coupled with its fractional sloop rig, points to a boat that is responsive and capable of decent upwind performance, characteristic of early one-design racers. While detailed anecdotal handling characteristics are not widely documented, its enduring popularity as an active racing class on Lake St. Clair speaks to its competitive nature and satisfying sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as an early racing/cruising one-design sloop of 24 feet, the interior accommodations of the Customflex Crescent are generally understood to be functional and basic rather than luxurious. Information regarding specific interior layouts or headroom is scarce, suggesting that space below deck was primarily utilized for essential storage and rudimentary overnighting capabilities for its crew. Owners would likely find a simple cabin, potentially offering V-berths forward and minimal galley or head facilities, consistent with boats of its size and era focused on performance and day sailing with occasional short cruises.

Owner's Perspectives

The Customflex Crescent has cultivated a remarkably loyal and passionate owner base, particularly centered around Lake St. Clair in Michigan, where its fleet is renowned as the oldest active class racing. This strong community reflects the boat's enduring appeal and its ability to deliver consistent competitive sailing. Owners are often described as "fanatical" about their Crescents, highlighting a deep appreciation for its role in one-design racing and its historical significance. While specific common strengths or weaknesses are not widely documented in public forums, the sustained enthusiasm and active racing participation underscore the boat's solid construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics. The collaborative spirit within the Crescent class, ensuring fair competition, is a testament to the boat's successful design and the dedication of its owners.