Eclipse Mk II (Proctor) Information, Review, Specs

The Eclipse Mk II's journey began in 1972 under the craftsmanship of Newbridge Boats Ltd., a builder known for making sailing accessible through affordable, practical, and seaworthy designs. The collaboration with Ian Proctor, a designer celebrated for modernizing small boat sailing with innovative ideas in hull shape and mast design, positioned the Eclipse Mk II as a thoughtful creation. Proctor was a prolific designer of both sailing dinghies and cruisers, and his influence brought a performance-oriented perspective to the compact Eclipse Mk II.

Newbridge Boats utilized GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) for their hulls, a material choice that facilitated efficient production and aligned with their goal of affordability. During its production run, the Eclipse Mk II offered several variations to cater to different sailing preferences. Buyers could choose between a fin keel or a lifting keel, as well as a fractional or masthead rig. The fractional rig option, in particular, was noted for offering easier tacking, a beneficial characteristic for both cruisers and racers. A specific "JOG racing version" with a fractional rig was also featured, indicating its potential for competitive performance within its class.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 22.01 feet and a waterline length of 19.32 feet, the Eclipse Mk II is a compact sailboat designed for agile handling. Given its size, it achieves a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.89 knots. Ian Proctor's reputation for designing performance-oriented small boats suggests that the Eclipse Mk II was crafted to be responsive and engaging to sail. The option of a fractional sloop rig, as noted, would contribute to easier tacking, enhancing its handling for various sailing conditions and making it manageable for single-handed or short-handed crews.

Accommodations and Layout

As a small cruising boat, the Newbridge Eclipse Mk II, despite its compact 22-foot length, was designed to provide basic overnighting capabilities. While specific detailed interior layouts are not readily available in public records, typical arrangements for vessels of this size from the 1970s generally include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small salon area with bench seating that might convert into additional berths, and a rudimentary galley area, often comprising a sink and space for a portable stove. A marine head would typically be situated either under the V-berth or in a dedicated, compact compartment. Given Newbridge's focus on practicality, the interior finish would likely have emphasized functionality and durability with fiberglass liners, potentially complemented by some wood trim. However, detailed specifics on headroom or exact cabin arrangements for the Eclipse Mk II require further specialized documentation.