Udell Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Udell class lies in its role as a premier one-design racing sailboat for the Chicago Yacht Club, an initiative aimed at fostering competitive one-design racing on the Great Lakes. Production of the Udell commenced in 1955 at Kungsörs Båtvarv AB in Sweden. This boatyard, founded by Oscar Schelin in 1914, had already established itself as Sweden's oldest family-owned boatyard, known for its dedication to genuine craftsmanship and its history of building fine sailing vessels, including competitive racers. While specific individual designers for the Udell within the 22 square meter rule are not widely cited, the class itself adheres to the strict parameters of the 22 square meter (or Skerry Cruiser) rule, which emphasizes a large sail area on a slender, performance-oriented hull. The decision to build the Udell in wood, consistent with Kungsörs Båtvarv's historical expertise, reflects the traditional construction methods prevalent for high-performance yachts of that period. The class was an official U.S.Y.R.U. National Class, further solidifying its standing in the American racing scene.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed explicitly for racing, the Udell exhibits characteristics indicative of a highly responsive and capable sailboat. With a length overall of 36.25 feet and a waterline length of 27.25 feet, her slender profile is immediately apparent. The Udell boasts a displacement of 4600 lbs and a significant ballast of 2400 lbs, yielding a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.52. This exceptionally high ratio is a clear indicator of impressive stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up to significant wind pressure without excessive heel, a crucial attribute for a racing yacht.

Furthermore, its displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at around 101, places the Udell firmly in the category of a light, performance-oriented vessel. This low ratio suggests that the Udell requires less power to achieve hull speed and is likely to be nimble and quick to accelerate, particularly in lighter air. While the reported sail area of 235 square feet results in a sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 13.5, it is important to contextualize this within the 22 square meter class rule. This measurement often refers to a specific, constrained sail plan, and racing versions of 22 square meter boats typically employ large, overlapping genoas that contribute significantly to their actual on-water performance. The combination of a light hull, high ballast ratio, and a fractional sloop rig with a fin keel ensures the Udell is a keen performer, offering a balanced helm and precise handling characteristics demanded in competitive racing environments.

Accommodations and Layout

As a sailboat primarily designed for one-design racing, the Udell's interior accommodations are expected to be utilitarian and focused on functionality rather than extensive comfort or liveaboard amenities. While specific detailed interior layouts for the Udell are not readily available, boats of its racing pedigree and era typically feature a spartan arrangement below deck. The maximum headroom is not specified, suggesting it would be limited, as is common in highly optimized racing yachts where minimizing windage and maximizing structural integrity are priorities.

A typical layout would likely include a simple V-berth forward for minimal sleeping arrangements, followed by a compact saloon area with opposing settees that might double as additional berths. Storage would be basic, primarily for sails and racing gear, with perhaps limited space for personal effects. A small, functional galley area with basic cooking facilities and a marine head would likely be present, but without the extensive cabinetry or amenities found in dedicated cruising boats. The emphasis would be on open space for crew movement during races and easy access to essential systems, rather than luxurious finishes or elaborate joinery, reflecting its purpose as a high-performance racing machine.