Triangle One-Design Information, Review, Specs

The vessel measures 28.5 feet in overall length with a waterline of 18.5 feet, featuring a fin keel and fractional sloop rig. With a displacement of just over 5,000 pounds and a lead ballast of 2,500 pounds, it was designed for a blend of stability and responsiveness, characteristic of Alden's approach to performance and comfort.

The Triangle One-Design entered production in 1926 and continued to be built until 1933. This period saw the Graves Yacht Yard, founded by James E. Graves around 1895, establish a strong reputation for precision and quality in wooden boat construction, initially with racing dories. Alden, a Boston-based naval architect, was celebrated for designing yachts that were both capable performers and comfortable at sea. The creation of a one-design class like the Triangle was aligned with the growing interest in competitive, fair racing, a concept where all boats are virtually identical to emphasize skill and strategy.

While no specific design philosophy for the Alden #278 (Triangle One-Design) has been explicitly detailed in available records beyond its one-design purpose, Alden's broader work emphasized creating fast and seaworthy offshore boats. The Graves Yacht Yard's expertise in traditional wooden boatbuilding meant each Triangle One-Design was constructed with robust craftsmanship, upholding the yard's commitment to quality. The total number built varies in historical accounts, with some sources indicating around 14 and others up to 60 examples of this class. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or mark changes in the full-size Triangle One-Design during its limited production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a sailboat under 30 feet in length, traditional performance ratios often applied to larger cruising vessels are less relevant for the Triangle One-Design. However, its design as a fin keel fractional sloop indicates a vessel intended for nimble handling and good upwind performance. The hull, crafted from wood, along with its lead ballast, suggests a robust and stable platform for its size. The theoretical hull speed for a boat of its waterline length is approximately 5.8 knots. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the full-size Triangle One-Design are scarce, its one-design nature implies a consistent and predictable feel across the fleet, essential for competitive racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Triangle One-Design is extremely limited. Given its designation as a one-design racing boat from the 1920s and 1930s, it is likely that the interior was relatively spartan, prioritizing lightweight construction and functionality for racing over extensive cruising comforts. Such vessels typically featured a basic cabin arrangement with minimal headroom, possibly including V-berths forward for sleeping, and limited space for a small galley or head. The construction would have featured wooden joinery, reflecting the traditional craftsmanship of Graves Yacht Yard.