Interclub (Usa) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Interclub dinghy begins in 1946, when it was conceived as a dedicated one-design racer for inter-club competitions on Long Island Sound. The renowned firm Sparkman & Stephens was commissioned for its design, aiming for a boat that could attract skilled sailors for winter racing. The initial boats were constructed from molded plywood by the Zephyr Boat Co., operating under the guidance of the Larchmont Yacht Club in the USA, a club with a rich history in yachting.

As the demand grew and fiberglass technology advanced, production shifted. Dodson Plastic Corp. began building fiberglass versions of the Interclub. Later, O'Day Corp., under the leadership of Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, took on the role of selling and distributing these fiberglass models. While O'Day Corp. itself became a prolific manufacturer of fiberglass sailboats from 1958 onwards, their involvement with the Interclub was primarily in sales, integrating it into their catalog of accessible and popular sailing craft. Both the original wooden and later fiberglass versions remain active in racing fleets today, a testament to the design's enduring quality and the class's vibrant community.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall and waterline of 11.5 feet, the Interclub is a true dinghy, designed for agile performance and competitive racing rather than cruising amenities. Its design as a one-design racer, coupled with a robust 150 lbs displacement, provides a stable platform for active sailing. Notably, the Interclub is celebrated for its exceptional maneuverability in most conditions. The boat's round bottom and sizable foils contribute to its ability to perform "roll tacks" and "roll jibes" with ease, a key advantage in close-quarters racing.

The Interclub gained particular renown as a "frostbiting" dinghy, perfectly suited for winter sailing on the US east coast. Its sturdy construction and relatively dry ride are often cited as reasons for its suitability in colder conditions, attracting a dedicated community of experienced sailors. While original O'Day-sold Interclubs came with foam-packed tanks for positive buoyancy, offering safety, some enthusiasts note that this feature could impact performance, leading to potential modifications for competitive advantage.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated 11.5-foot racing and day-sailing dinghy, the O'Day Interclub features an open cockpit design rather than enclosed accommodations. There is no interior cabin, head, or galley to speak of. The layout is optimized for a crew of two, focusing entirely on functionality for racing and active sailing, with a simple, uncluttered deck to facilitate quick maneuvers and efficient sail handling. The absence of significant headroom (null in specifications) further emphasizes its design as an open boat intended for on-deck activity.

Owner's Perspectives

The O'Day Interclub boasts a highly active and passionate owner community, particularly within the Interclub Dinghy Class Association. Owners consistently highlight the boat's excellent handling characteristics and its enduring appeal in competitive "frostbiting" events. The robust construction, whether original molded plywood or later fiberglass, is frequently praised, with many wooden boats from the initial production still competitive alongside newer fiberglass models.

Common discussions among owners often revolve around optimizing performance, with detailed articles and tips available on aspects like sail trim, foil design, and balancing for speed. The Interclub community is known for its strong camaraderie and willingness to share knowledge, reflecting the boat's status as a beloved class for serious dinghy racers and enthusiasts. While some owners might discuss the trade-offs of the original buoyancy foam for speed, the overall sentiment points to a well-regarded, fun-to-sail dinghy that continues to provide engaging racing for its dedicated followers.