11 Meter Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Precision 11 Meter was introduced in 1990, emerging from the design boards of Ron Holland and Rolf Gyhlenius. Precision Boat Works, a company known for its commitment to building robust and quality sailboats, undertook the construction of this ambitious one-design racer. Founded by brothers Bill and Richard Porter, Precision Boat Works emphasized "quality built in" across their range, and the 11 Meter was no exception, despite its performance focus. The design received recognition, with its class rules adopted by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in 1997. A total of 350 units were built during its production run. While Precision Boat Works was known for its "trailerable" designs, the 11 Meter, with its substantial draft and overall length, falls into a different category, signifying the builder's venture into more performance-oriented, non-trailerable segments. Precision Boat Works concluded new boat production in 2018, though support for existing models continues.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Precision 11 Meter boasts specifications that clearly indicate its performance-oriented design. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 28.29, she is a powerful boat for her size, suggesting excellent performance, particularly in light air conditions. This aligns with reports of the boat being "fast in really light wind" and having a PHRF rating of 71, indicative of a competitive racer.

Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at a healthy 45.3%, which contributes significantly to the boat's stiffness and ability to carry sail in stronger breezes without excessive heel, translating to a stable and predictable platform under pressure. Furthermore, a very low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 80.91 categorizes the 11 Meter as a very light and performance-focused vessel, far removed from traditional heavy cruisers. This combination of high sail power, ample stability, and light displacement allows her to accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds, particularly upwind. Designed for racing, the 11 Meter features a deep 5.9-foot bulb keel and a spade rudder, elements that enhance her upwind performance and responsiveness. Her theoretical hull speed is estimated at 6.95 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated one-design racer, the interior accommodations of the Precision 11 Meter are typically minimalist and functional, designed to facilitate racing rather than extensive cruising comfort. While specific detailed interior layouts are not widely documented in public search results, it can be inferred that the cabin space would prioritize necessities such such as sail storage, crew resting areas, and possibly a basic head, rather than amenities like extensive galleys or private cabins. The lack of a specified maximum headroom in the available data further suggests a design where interior volume, while present, is secondary to the boat's hydrodynamic and sailing performance.

Owner's Perspectives

Comprehensive owner reviews or detailed discussions of common problems specific to the Precision 11 Meter are not extensively available in public search results. However, as a one-design class, owners are generally drawn to the boat for its competitive racing capabilities and the camaraderie of class racing. Its reputation as a "race ready sailboat" and its competitive PHRF rating suggest that owners appreciate its speed and handling characteristics. While specific issues are not widely reported, the enduring presence of the 11 Meter in sailing communities indicates a loyal following among those who value its performance legacy.