Camden Class Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Camden Class dates back to 1915 when the Camden Yacht Club sought a suitable one-design racing class. Yacht designer B.B. Crowninshield took on the commission, and his employee R. N. Burbank was responsible for finalizing the detailed plans. Crowninshield's design philosophy emphasized boats with "sweet and slippery sailing characteristics," a trait well-suited for competitive racing. Only four of these distinctive sloops were originally built, making them a rare sight even in their prime.

Hodgdon Bros., the builder, was already a well-established name in East Boothbay, Maine, known for its durable and reliable wooden vessels. In the early 20th century, the shipyard was actively engaged in building wooden schooners and expanding into yacht designs. Their commitment to quality and custom building aligned perfectly with the creation of the Camden Class. While none of the original four Camden Class boats survive today, the design has experienced a revival, with new builds being undertaken to preserve and celebrate this classic knockabout sloop.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Camden Class, with its gaffhead sloop rig and fin keel, was designed for lively performance as a daysailer and racer. Boasting a length overall (LOA) of 28.25 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 17.0 feet, coupled with a narrow beam of 6.75 feet and a maximum draft of 4.25 feet, she exhibits the sleek lines typical of early 20th-century racing designs. Her displacement of 2,500 pounds and a theoretical hull speed of 5.52 knots suggest a vessel capable of agile handling and good speed in a variety of conditions. Contemporary descriptions laud Crowninshield's designs, including the Camden Class, for their "sweet and slippery sailing characteristics," indicating a boat that is responsive and enjoyable to sail. As a boat "born to race," she would have been a strong contender in classic yacht regattas of her time and remains so for modern reproductions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated daysailer and racing sloop, the Camden Class features a relatively simple interior layout centered around functionality for its primary purpose. The design includes a "small cuddy," which provides basic shelter or storage space rather than extensive living accommodations. Given its dimensions and intent, the interior would likely offer limited headroom and be primarily used for stowing gear, sails, or providing a brief respite from the elements. Descriptions and related building articles suggest a focused design, prioritizing sailing performance and on-deck activity over elaborate internal amenities.