110 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the International 110 begins in 1938, with its official introduction at the 1939 Marblehead Race Week Regatta. C. Raymond Hunt, a visionary naval architect with an innate understanding of sailing physics, developed the 110 with a clear goal: to create an accessible, high-performance racing sailboat. His design foresaw a market for an affordable racing machine, leading to the 110's original plywood construction, which allowed for relatively straightforward building, even by individuals. This aligns well with the ethos of builders like Graves Yacht Yard, which, in that era, was celebrated for its meticulous wooden boat construction and unwavering commitment to quality. The initial cost of a new 110, complete with sails, was around $480.50, further cementing its appeal as a budget-friendly racer. Over 750 of these boats were built, a testament to its enduring popularity.

While the fundamental design has remained consistent, the International 110 class has adapted over time. Modern fiberglass versions are now built by yards such as Westease of Holland, Michigan, ensuring the class's continued vitality. The class has also embraced advancements like asymmetrical spinnakers, enhancing its downwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the International 110 is highly regarded for its spirited sailing performance and agile handling. Owners and enthusiasts often note that the boat "feels and responds like a dinghy but with the stability of a keel," offering an engaging sailing experience for various skill levels. Its double-ended, flat-bottomed hull is designed for planing, providing exhilarating speed in suitable conditions. The boat is known for its impressive upwind capabilities, with many sailors remarking on its ability to point high and maintain speed.

The International 110 features a large, roomy cockpit and a bulb keel, which contribute significantly to its stability, allowing it to remain well-mannered even in strong breezes. This inherent stability makes it a "seaworthy superstar" that is both fun to sail and forgiving, making it a popular choice for sailors of all ages. Achieving optimal performance often involves keeping the boat flat and within its "groove," a characteristic shared with many high-performance one-design racers.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary purpose as a racing keelboat, the International 110's accommodations are minimalist, designed more for practicality than extended cruising comfort. The indicates that headroom information is not a primary design feature, suggesting a very open or cuddy-cabin type layout. The cockpit is notably spacious, providing ample room for crew during racing maneuvers.

While specific original interior layouts are not extensively documented as luxurious, the design's simplicity allowed for owner customization. For new builds or restorations, emphasis has been placed on creating different interior configurations, suggesting that early boats likely offered little more than basic shelter, focusing instead on the performance aspects of the hull. The construction, whether original plywood or modern fiberglass, prioritizes structural integrity for racing.

Owner's Perspectives

The International 110 boasts a deeply passionate and active owner community, a testament to the boat's enduring appeal. Owners frequently express strong affection for the class, highlighting its fun, competitive nature and the camaraderie within the fleet. Comments such as "You're sailing your favorite boat... with your favorite crew... in your favorite place" reflect the deep connection owners have with their 110s.

Owners consistently praise the 110's robust construction and its surprisingly stable motion, even in challenging conditions. The boat's ability to perform well upwind is a frequently cited strength. Many owners appreciate the accessible cost of acquiring an older 110, making high-performance racing available to a broader range of sailors. The strong class association actively organizes national championships and other regattas, fostering a vibrant racing scene and providing support for maintaining and enjoying these classic vessels.