Eastern Yacht Club 17 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Eastern Yacht Club 17 lies in the vibrant racing scene of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Members of the Eastern Yacht Club sought a uniform fleet for spirited competition, leading to the commissioning of this one-design class. The initial 25 vessels were expertly crafted by George Lawley & Son, a shipyard synonymous with "perfection in every detail" and "fine yacht construction" during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Lawley yard, under the guidance of figures like George Frederick Lawley and naval architect Frederick D. Lawley, had a formidable reputation for producing high-quality wooden vessels. This commitment to superior construction ensured that the initial Eastern Yacht Club 17s were built to exacting standards, using wood for both hull and deck.

The class quickly gained popularity, and by the 1920s, the design expanded beyond its original name. In 1921, the class was officially renamed the Northeast Harbor A, and an additional 25 boats were built by Rice Brothers of East Boothbay, Maine, between 1924 and 1928, further solidifying its presence as a regional racing staple. Often referred to interchangeably as the Marblehead One Design, this class represented a shared vision for accessible, competitive sailing that resonated with New England yachtsmen.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed explicitly for racing, the Eastern Yacht Club 17, with a length overall of 27.5 feet and a relatively short waterline of 17.0 feet, was engineered for nimble performance. Her gaff-headed sloop rig, characteristic of the period, provided a generous sail area of 368 square feet, ensuring responsive acceleration in varying wind conditions. The fin keel, a performance-oriented feature, would have contributed to her upwind ability and quick turning.

With a displacement of 3100 pounds and a modest beam of 7.25 feet, the Eastern Yacht Club 17 was built to be lively and engaging at the helm. Her calculated hull speed of approximately 5.52 knots suggests she was designed to be quick for her size, particularly when driven hard. Anecdotal accounts of similar one-designs from this era often describe boats that are sensitive to trim and helm input, rewarding skilled sailors with exhilarating performance and close racing. Her maximum draft of 4.0 feet allowed access to many coastal harbors and coves, a practical consideration for a boat intended for local racing and daysailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a one-design racer and daysailer from the early 20th century, the Eastern Yacht Club 17 offered a very minimalist approach to accommodations. The focus of the design was firmly on sailing performance rather than interior comfort or extended cruising. While specific detailed interior layouts are not readily available, it is highly probable that the interior comprised little more than a basic cuddy cabin, providing essential shelter for gear or a brief respite from the elements. Headroom would have been limited, and amenities typically found on cruising yachts, such as a galley or enclosed head, would have been absent. The design prioritized a clear, open cockpit for crew movements during races, consistent with its purpose.