National One-Design Information, Review, Specs

The National One-Design's journey began in 1936, with its design by William F. Crosby, a figure well-regarded for his contributions to small sailboat design, including the popular Snipe class. Crosby's philosophy, reflected in designs like the Snipe, aimed to create "real boats" that offered the feel and sailing qualities of larger yachts in a smaller, more accessible format, fostering a passion for one-design sailing. The initial plans for the National One-Design were published in 'The Rudder' magazine, making the design readily available to the public and facilitating its widespread adoption. notes]

Ray Greene & Co., founded by Raymond P. Greene, commenced production of the National One-Design, marking an early chapter for a company that would later revolutionize boat building with fiberglass. While Ray Greene & Co. became known for their pioneering work in fiberglass, the National One-Design's original plans were for wood construction, and boats were built using a fiberglass-wood composite, or even entirely from wood, such as a 1947 model featuring a solid mahogany hull and cedar decks. hull_material, 3, 11] The availability of original plans for wood construction through the National One-Design Racing Association further highlights this flexibility in materials and construction, allowing boats to be built in various stages of completion.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light and responsive 17-foot fractional sloop, the National One-Design is engineered for exhilarating one-design racing where skipper and crew skill are paramount. rig_type, displacement_lbs, 9] With a reported sail area of 137 square feet and a displacement of just 400 pounds, it is designed to be nimble and quick. sail_area_reported_sqft, displacement_lbs] Its centerboard keel allows for a variable draft, from a shallow 0.17 feet for launching and retrieving to a full 3.5 feet when fully deployed, offering versatility in different water depths and enhancing upwind performance. keel_type, min_draft_ft, max_draft_ft] The ability to use one trapeze for class racing further underscores its performance-oriented design, demanding active crew participation to maximize speed and stability, particularly in stronger winds. notes] With a hull speed of approximately 4.34 knots, the National One-Design provides a lively and engaging sailing experience, consistent with its designation as a small racing dinghy. hull_speed_kn, 1]

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a small racing dinghy and daysailer, the National One-Design features an open cockpit layout, prioritizing sailing performance and on-water functionality over extensive interior accommodations. There is no specified maximum headroom in the design, indicating that the boat is primarily intended for day use and competitive racing. The layout is optimized for a crew to efficiently handle sails and maneuver during competition, offering a straightforward and uncluttered deck space essential for racing.